English pronunciation · Words Starting with N
Not Pronunciation
Not is pronounced NAHT, IPA /ˈnɑt/.
NAHT
US /ˈnɑt/ · UK /ˈnɒt/
Syllables: NAHT (1 syllable)
adverb: The word used to make a statement negative.
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Not in a Sentence
- That is not what she said.
- The shop is not open on Mondays.
- Do not leave bags unattended.
Common Mispronunciations of Not
Not NAWT
The vowel is short in both standards, whether it is the rounded o British speakers use or the flatter ah of American speech. Lengthening it drifts towards naught.
Not NOT-uh
The t closes the word with the tongue against the ridge and no vowel after it.
Tip: Attached to a verb it usually shrinks to n't and loses its own beat: isn't and don't are one word, not two.
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