English pronunciation · Words Starting with U

Use Pronunciation

Use is pronounced YOOS, IPA /ˈjus/.

YOOS

US /ˈjus/

Syllables: YOOS (1 syllable)

noun: The act of using something, or the purpose something serves.

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Use in a Sentence

  • This drawer is of no use to anyone.
  • The hall is in daily use.
  • She found a use for every offcut.

Common Mispronunciations of Use

Not YOOZ

Reading the spelling as a verb gives a buzz at the close. The noun, as in a use for something, hisses instead: YOOS.

Not OOS

A y has to open the word, so the sound starts at the roof of the mouth. Without it the word drifts towards oos, which English does not have.

Tip: Noun and verb are spelled alike and said differently: a use with a hiss, to use with a buzz. House and to house split the same way.

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