How to pronounce alternatives
Say it like awl-TUR-nuh-tivz. Alternatives has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (TUR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce alternatives. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- awl
- TUR
- nuh
- tivz
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Alternatives pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- awlKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
- TURSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- nuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- tivzKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of alternatives
- 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-TUR-nuh-tivz.
What does alternatives mean?
- plural of alternative How to pronounce alternative
Questions about saying alternatives
How do you pronounce alternatives?
Say awl-TUR-nuh-tivz. The American pronunciation is /ɔlˈtɝnətɪvz/. In British English it is /ɔːlˈtɜːnətɪvz/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in alternatives?
Alternatives has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (TUR). Broken into parts: awl · TUR · nuh · tivz.
Is alternatives 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 /ɔːlˈtɜːnətɪvz/ (awl-TUR-nuh-tivz).