American English: Test Your Knowledge
-
Americans pronounce the letter O four different ways in the words "computer," "cop," "hope" and "do."
-
True
-
False
-
About This Quiz
Explore nuances of American English pronunciation in this interactive quiz. Assess your understanding of sound variations, such as the 'T' and 'R' sounds, syllable stress, and vowel pronunciation across different words. Ideal for learners aiming to refine their American English accent.
Quiz Preview
- 2.
In American English the syllable stress often changes when a word has two forms such as being both noun and verb.
-
True
-
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
In American English, it is common for the syllable stress to change when a word has two forms, such as being both a noun and a verb. This means that the emphasis or accent on a particular syllable may shift depending on the word's function in a sentence. This phenomenon highlights the flexibility and adaptability of the English language, allowing for different stress patterns based on the word's grammatical role.Rate this question:
-
- 3.
Americans change T to a light D sound when the T is between vowel sounds, as in "water."
-
True
-
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Americans change the pronunciation of the letter "T" to a light "D" sound when it is between vowel sounds, as in the word "water." This phenomenon is known as "flapping" and is a common feature of American English pronunciation.Rate this question:
-
- 4.
In American English, when two vowels are next to each other, the 2nd vowel is often silent.
-
True
-
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
When two vowels are next to each other in American English, it is common for the second vowel to be silent. This is observed in words like "boat" and "coat" where the "o" in the second position is not pronounced. Therefore, the statement "True" accurately reflects this pattern in American English pronunciation.Rate this question:
-
- 5.
Americans pronounce TH the same way in "the" and "think."
-
True
-
False
Correct Answer
A. FalseExplanation
Americans do not pronounce TH the same way in "the" and "think." In "the," TH is pronounced as a voiced dental fricative sound, while in "think," TH is pronounced as an unvoiced dental fricative sound. Therefore, the statement is false.Rate this question:
-
- 6.
Americans reduce the L sound (pronounce it lightly) when L is the last letter.
-
True
-
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Americans reduce the pronunciation of the letter "L" when it is the last letter in a word. This means that they pronounce it lightly or with less emphasis compared to when it is in the middle or beginning of a word.Rate this question:
-
- 7.
Americans always pronounce the R sound except when the R is next to last, as in "work."
-
True
-
False
Correct Answer
A. FalseExplanation
Americans do not always pronounce the R sound, especially when it is next to last in a word like "work." This is a common characteristic of certain American English dialects, such as the non-rhotic variety found in the Northeastern United States. In these dialects, the R sound is often dropped or softened when it occurs before a consonant or at the end of a word. Therefore, the statement is false.Rate this question:
-
- 8.
Americans teach their kids that "an E at the end makes the vowel sound long."
-
True
-
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
The statement is true because in American English, adding an "E" at the end of a word often changes the vowel sound to a long sound. This is a common rule taught to children when learning to read and pronounce words. For example, the word "hat" has a short "a" sound, but when an "E" is added at the end, it becomes "hate" with a long "a" sound.Rate this question:
-
- 9.
Americans always pronounce the T sound when T follows N, as in "interview."
-
True
-
False
Correct Answer
A. FalseExplanation
Americans do not always pronounce the T sound when T follows N. In many American accents, the T sound is often dropped or softened in words like "interview." This phenomenon is known as a "flap T" or "alveolar tap," where the tongue quickly taps the roof of the mouth instead of fully pronouncing the T sound. Therefore, the correct answer is False.Rate this question:
-
- 10.
American English has complex spellings for Short Vowels and simple spellings for Long Vowels.
-
True
-
False
Correct Answer
A. FalseExplanation
American English does not have complex spellings for Short Vowels and simple spellings for Long Vowels. In fact, American English has complex spellings for both Short and Long Vowels. For example, the word "cat" has a short "a" sound and the word "cake" has a long "a" sound, but the spelling of the vowel sound is different in both words. Therefore, the statement is false.Rate this question:
-
Quiz Review Timeline (Updated): Mar 21, 2023 +
Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.
-
Current Version
-
Mar 21, 2023Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team -
Feb 21, 2013Quiz Created by
Pedersenerica
Back to top