How to Pronounce "answer"
The correct pronunciation of "answer" is AAN-suh /ˈɑːn.sər/. Tap play to hear it, say it into your mic for a free clarity check, and fix the "AN-swer" habit for good.
answer
/ˈɑːn.sər/A reply to a question, or a solution to a problem.
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Record yourself saying “answer” and get a real, AI-graded pronunciation score with word-by-word feedback — free, no account needed.The Indian-English Mistake: "AN-swer" — and the Fix
| Aspect | Common in India (incorrect) | Correct |
|---|---|---|
| Sounds like | Sounding the 'w': 'AN-swer' with a clear 'sw' sound. | AAN-suh /ˈɑːn.sər/ |
| Stress | Often on the wrong syllable | First syllable (AAN). |
How Do You Pronounce "answer"?
"answer" is pronounced AAN-suh /ˈɑːn.sər/. The stress is on the first syllable (AAN). As a noun, it means a reply to a question, or a solution to a problem.
The 'w' is completely silent — say AAN-suh, with no 'w' in the middle.
Note: US /ˈæn.sər/ — the first vowel is shorter and flatter, but the 'w' is silent in both.
Say "answer" Step by Step
Break the word down, get the stress right, then blend it back together at normal speed. Repeat each step out loud three times.
Break it into syllables
AAN-suh — say each part slowly and separately first.
Stress the right part
First syllable (AAN). Make the stressed syllable a little louder and longer.
Nail the key sound
The 'w' is completely silent — say AAN-suh, with no 'w' in the middle.
Blend and repeat
Now say "answer" at normal speed: AAN-suh. Record yourself and compare.
Minimal-Pair Drills for "answer" (2 Minutes, Out Loud)
Say each drill line aloud, slowly first, then at normal speed. On the last drill, use the mic check at the top of this page to test yourself.
cancer → answer
Ending matches 'cancer'; the w is silent.
NOT AN-swer — AAN-suh
The middle is just 's', never 'sw'.
Say at speed: "Do you know the answer?"
Keep the w silent.
Why "answer" Is Tricky — and How to Fix It
Why this happens
Indian-language scripts pronounce every written letter, so the silent English 'w' gets voiced.
Tip: Skip the 'w' entirely: AAN-suh, the middle is just an 's' sound.
Hear “answer” in a Sentence
Read each line aloud with the same rhythm. The word to listen for is in bold.
Do you know the answer?
She gave a clear answer.
Please answer the phone.
Now say it inside a sentence
Getting "answer" right on its own is the easy part. Pronunciation only sticks in connected speech. Read a passage aloud and get scored on accuracy and pace, word by word — free, no login.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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