How to pronounce alternating
Say it like AWL-ter-nay-ting. Alternating has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AWL).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce alternating. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- AWL
- ter
- nay
- ting
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Alternating pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- AWLSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
- terKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
- nayGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- tingKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of alternating
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: AWL-tuh-nay-ting.
What does alternating mean?
- (of a current) reversing direction“alternating current”
- occurring by turns; first one and then the other“alternating feelings of love and hate”
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying alternating
How do you pronounce alternating?
Say AWL-ter-nay-ting. The American pronunciation is /ˈɔltɚˌneɪtɪŋ/. In British English it is /ˈɔːltəˌneɪtɪŋ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in alternating?
Alternating has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AWL). Broken into parts: AWL · ter · nay · ting.
Is alternating pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈɔːltəˌneɪtɪŋ/ (AWL-tuh-nay-ting).