I wonder how an American pronounces…
desert
/dɪ-ˈzɚt/
In an earlier blog post, we learned
these 2 words that cause confusion.
In this lesson, we add to our list a 3rd word.
desert
/dɪ-ˈzɚt/
stress on the 2nd syllable
verb
to desert … /tə-dɪ-ˈzɚt/
noun
a deserter … /ə-dɪ-ˈzɚ-dɚ/
desertion … /dɪ-ˈzɚ-ʃɪn/
adjective
deserted … /dɪ-ˈzɚ-dɪd/
deserted … desertion … a deserter
/dɪ-ˈzɚ-dɪd/ … /dɪ-ˈzɚ-ʃɪn/ … /ə-dɪ-ˈzɚ-dɚ/
The man abandoned his military post illegally.
He deserted his post.
If he is convicted of desertion, he will be a deserter.
desert … deserting … deserts
/dɪ-ˈzɚt/ … /dɪ-ˈzɚ-dɪŋ/ … /dɪ-ˈzɚts/
Sometimes in divorce, a parent will desert the family.
Deserting one’s children is illegal.
A parent who deserts a young child can be taken to court.
deserted
/dɪ-ˈzɚ-dɪd/
This house is deserted.
No one has lived here for many years.
compare
desert … de-ˈser-dɪd/
/ˈdɛ-zɚt/ … /dɪ-ˈzɚ-dɪd/
This is a desert island. = It’s made of sand.
This island looks deserted. = No people live on it.
And now it’s your turn.
Let’s practice these 3 words.
Which word do you hear?
Which syllable is stressed?
How do you spell the word that you hear?
Answers are at the bottom of the page.
NO PEEKING!
1. This cactus grows in an arid _____________.
2. What’s for ____________ tonight? A strawberry tart.
3. Robinson Crusoe was stranded on a ____________ island.
He thought it was _____________ until he met another man.
4. This house looks _____________, but the window is still okay.
5. This lizard lives in the _____________.
6. The streets are _____________ this time of the afternoon.
There is no one on the street in this heat.
7. You don’t _____________ a friend who is in trouble.
As the saying goes, “A friend in need is a friend indeed.”
If a friend helps you when you are in need, they are a true friend.
8. It’s strawberry season; we’re having strawberries
again for _____________ … strawberry shortcake.
9. A parent who _____________ a young child can be taken to court.
Parents are responsibile for taking care of their minor children.
10. The _____________ rose is a
beautiful plant that is easy to grow.
11. What’s your favorite _____________?
12. This _____________ fox is on the lookout for food.
Answers
1. /ˈdɛ–zɚt/ … This cactus grows in an arid desert.
2. /dɪ-ˈzɚt/ … What’s for dessert tonight? A strawberry tart.
3. /ˈdɛ–zɚt/ … Robinson Crusoe was stranded on a desert island.
/dɪ-ˈzɚ-dɪd/ … He thought it was deserted until he met another man.
4. /dɪ-ˈzɚ-dɪd/ … This house looks deserted, but the window is still okay.
5. /ˈdɛ–zɚt/ … This lizard lives in the desert.
6. /dɪ-ˈzɚ-dɪd/ … The streets are deserted this time of the afternoon.
There is no one on the street in this heat.
7. /dɪ-ˈzɚt/ … You don’t desert a friend who is in trouble.
As the saying goes, “A friend in need is a friend indeed.”
If a friend helps you when you are in need, they are a true friend.
8. /dɪ-ˈzɚt/ … It’s strawberry season; we’re having strawberries again for dessert … strawberry shortcake.
9. /dɪ-ˈzɚts/ … A parent who deserts a young child can be taken to court.
Parents are responsibile for taking care of their minor children.
10. /ˈdɛ–zɚt/ … The desert rose is a beautiful flower that is easy to grow.
11. /dɪ-ˈzɚt/ … What’s your favorite dessert?
12. /ˈdɛ–zɚt/ … The desert fox is on the lookout for food.
