English pronunciation · Words Starting with K
Knew Pronunciation
Knew is pronounced NOO, IPA /ˈnju/.
NOO
US /ˈnju/ · UK /ˈnjuː/
Syllables: NOO (1 syllable)
verb (past tense of know): Had knowledge of something, or was acquainted with someone.
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Knew in a Sentence
- I knew the answer and still said nothing.
- They knew each other at university.
- Nobody knew the road would be closed.
Common Mispronunciations of Knew
Not KNOO with the k sounded
Leave the k unsaid. English buries it wherever kn opens a word, as in knee, knife, and knot.
Not NOH
Know keeps a long oh, but the past tense swaps it for an oo. The vowel changes rather than an ending being added.
Tip: British speakers usually add a y glide, NYOO, while American speakers say a plain NOO. The same split runs through new, duty, and tune.
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