English pronunciation · Words Starting with S

Small Pronunciation

Small is pronounced SMAWL, IPA /ˈsmɔl/.

SMAWL

US /ˈsmɔl/  ·  UK /ˈsmɔːl/

Syllables: SMAWL (1 syllable)

adjective: Little in size, amount, or importance.

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Small in a Sentence

  • It is a small flat but the light is good.
  • Only a small number of people applied.
  • Could I have a small coffee?

Common Mispronunciations of Small

Not SMAL

The a before ll is the aw of law, not the flat a of cat. English rounds the vowel in front of a double l in ball, tall, and call the same way.

Not SMOL

The lips round but the vowel stays long. A short o clips the word and drifts towards the informal spelling smol.

Tip: Rhyme it with tall, wall, and hall, and the vowel takes care of itself.

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