Pronouncing Compound Words

ScottsEnglish

How to pronounce compound words?

Compound words are words formed from two other words. They may have two syllables, like "bathtub", or three syllables, like "butterfly". 

When pronouncing compound words, the accent is on the first syllable the majority of the time. But, because English is English, there are exceptions, usually in compound words starting with a preposition.

For example:

GRANDfather
NEWSpaper
NECKtie
PANcake
TEAcup

All of these words are pronounced with the stress (the louder part) on the first syllable.

Exceptions include:

onLINE
outSIDE (or OUTside, both are correct, the same for inSIDE or INside).

When you are speaking, be careful of your pronunciation of common compound words!