What is again? Pronunciation and usage in English

again means . Learn how to pronounce and use again through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of again

againadverb

/əˈɡɛn//əˈɡeɪn/
Definition & pronunciation of again

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "again" in English. It’s a tricky one for many learners!

Here's the breakdown:

  • "a" - Pronounced like the "a" in "father" or "cat" - /eɪ/ (a long "a" sound)
  • "gain" - This is the tricky part! It’s not like the word "gain" (meaning to acquire). It's pronounced like "guh-in."
    • "guh" - A short, guttural "g" sound – like the "g" in "go" or "good" (but a bit more throaty). It’s not the rolled “r” sound. It's a quick, almost almost-silent "g."
    • "in" - Pronounced like the "in" in "tin" or "win" - /ɪn/

Putting it all together:

The full pronunciation of "again" is /eɪɡɪn/

Tips and Common Mistakes:

  • Don’t overemphasize the "g": The "g" is very lightly spoken. It’s almost swallowed. This is the biggest mistake people make.
  • Stress: The stress is on the first syllable ("a").
  • Listen to native speakers: The best way to get it right is to hear it. Here are some resources:
    • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/again/ - This site lets you hear pronunciations from native speakers.
    • Google Search: Search "how to pronounce again" on Google and you'll find many audio examples.
    • YouTube: Search "pronounce again" on YouTube for video tutorials.

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • Are you a complete beginner, or do you have some experience with English pronunciation?

Usage and examples with the word again in English

Let's break down how to use the word "again" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word! Here's a breakdown of its common uses, with examples:

1. Repeating an Action or Event:

  • Most Common Use: This is by far the most frequent way "again" is used. It means to do something a second time, or to experience something a second time.

    • Example: "I made a mistake, and I have to do it again." (I need to repeat the action.)
    • Example: "We went to the beach again yesterday." (We visited the beach a second time.)
    • Example: "Don't argue with him again." (Don't have the argument repeat.)

2. Expressing Repeated Feelings or Situations:

  • "Again" can describe a recurring feeling, emotion, or situation.

    • Example: "I feel frustrated again." (The feeling of frustration is returning.)
    • Example: "It’s raining again." (The rain is happening for the second time.)
    • Example: "She said it again." (She repeated the statement.)

3. Emphasizing a Previous Event (Often with a Hint of Annoyance or Frustration):

  • When used with a specific preceding event, "again" can express annoyance that something is happening repeatedly. It implies that the speaker is tired of it.

    • Example: “He broke the vase again!” (The speaker is annoyed that the vase has been broken multiple times.)
    • Example: “You forgot my birthday again!” (The speaker is frustrated by the repeated oversight.)

4. After a Phrase or Statement (Adding Emphasis):

  • "Again" can be used at the end of a sentence to emphasize something that was previously mentioned.

    • Example: “I lost my keys. Again!” (Emphasizing the frustrating repetition of losing keys.)
    • Example: “The traffic was terrible. Again!” (Highlighting that it's a common occurrence.)

5. With Time References:

  • "Again" can be used with time expressions to indicate repeated occurrences over a period.

    • Example: "I’ve seen him again last week." (He appeared again in the past week)
    • Example: "Let's try this again in an hour." (Let's repeat the attempt an hour later.)

Important Notes & Nuances:

  • “Once more”: "Once more" is a more formal synonym for "again."
  • “A second time”: You can often use "a second time" instead of “again,” which is slightly more formal.
  • Tone: The tone of "again" can vary greatly depending on the context. It can be neutral, frustrated, annoyed, or even humorous.

Let's Practice!

Can you create a sentence using "again" in one of the ways described above? Or, give me a sentence and I can tell you if you've used "again" correctly.

Synonyms for the word again

Idioms of the word again

(every) now and again/then
from time to time; occasionally
  • Every now and again she checked to see if he was still asleep.
(the) same again
(informal)used to ask somebody to serve you the same drink as before
  • Same again, please!
time after time | time and (time) again
often; on many or all occasions
  • You will get a perfect result time after time if you follow these instructions.
  • Time and again, the girls have shown how strong and determined they can be.

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