How to spell pronunciation
A Year 5 and 6 statutory spelling word, with the tricky part explained and a tip that makes it stick.
The answer
pronunciation
P-R-O-N-U-N-C-I-A-T-I-O-N
The part to watch: pronounce drops its o (pro-nun-ci-a-tion). The underlined letters are the ones most people get wrong.
The tricky part
Pronunciation is related to pronounce, but it has no o after the first n: it is nun, not noun. Almost everyone writes "pronounciation".
Pronunciation is one of the words on the Year 5 and 6 list with a suffix to watch. A suffix is an ending such as -ment, -tion or -ed. Sometimes the root word changes when you add it: a letter is dropped, doubled or swapped.
Common mistakes with pronunciation
- Wrong: pronounciationRight: pronunciation
- Wrong: pronuncationRight: pronunciation
A way to remember it
A nun can check your pronunciation: pro + NUN + ciation.
Pronunciation in syllables
pro · nun · ci · a · tion
Pronunciation has 5 syllables. Say each one as you write it.
In a sentence
The pronunciation of some Welsh words is tricky.
Pronunciation on the statutory list
Pronunciation is on the Year 5 and 6 statutory word list in the national curriculum for England. Children are taught these words in Years 5 and 6, when they are 9 to 11.
Test yourself
A short spelling test that starts with pronunciation, then nine more words from the Year 5 and 6 list, read aloud. It works in your browser.
More words with a suffix to watch
These words from the Year 5 and 6 list share the same pattern as pronunciation.
More words
Questions parents ask
Does pronounced keep the o?
Yes. Pronounce, pronounced and pronouncing all keep ou. Only pronunciation loses the o.
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