The pronunciation of "the".

SiCantikManis · #1 (permalink) Wed Jul 09, 2008 13:19 pm *The pronunciation of "the".*

Hi,

I sometimes hear people pronounce "the" as "thee". When do we do this?

Is there any simple guide?

Thanks,
Cantik
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Ralf · #2 (permalink) Wed Jul 09, 2008 13:27 pm *The pronunciation of "the".*

Hi Cantik,

You should pronounce 'the' like 'thee' whenever there's a vowel following the article (except 'u' when pronounced /yu/ as in uniform).

the apple, the energetic performance, the impossible mission, the oscillating saw, the underground of the unspoken word etc.

Please note that you should also use 'an' in these cases when using the indefinite article.
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SiCantikManis · #3 (permalink) Wed Jul 09, 2008 13:36 pm *The pronunciation of "the".*

Thanks for the tips!

But if I don't, would that be weird?
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Thou shalt not use yours to make the whole world jealous.

Ralf · #4 (permalink) Wed Jul 09, 2008 13:38 pm *The pronunciation of "the".*

Yes, but nothing to worry about ;)
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SiCantikManis · #5 (permalink) Wed Jul 09, 2008 13:43 pm *The pronunciation of "the".*

"Thee" answer was unexpected. I have always thought it was okay not to. Glad I confirmed it!

Thanks, Ralf.
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