What is annual? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of annual

annualadjective

/ˈanjʊəl/
Definition & pronunciation of annual

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "annual." It's a tricky one for many English learners! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • /ˈæ njuːəl/ (rhymes with "new heel")

Let's break that down further:

  • ˈæ - This is the stressed syllable. It sounds like the "a" in "cat" or "hat." It's a short, clear "ah" sound.
  • nju - This part sounds like "new." The 'n' often blends with the 'j' in American English.
  • əl - This is a very short, unstressed "uh" sound, almost like a tiny "uh" after the "n." It's often barely audible.

Here's a visual representation (using phonetic symbols):

ˈæ njuːəl

Tips for getting it right:

  • Emphasize the first syllable: Make sure you're clearly pronouncing the "ah" sound at the beginning.
  • Don't over-emphasize the "n": The 'n' blends into the 'j'.
  • Short "uh" at the end: Really try to make that final "uh" sound very light and quick.

Resources for hearing it pronounced:

To help me give you even more specific guidance, could you tell me:

  • Where are you from? (Different countries have slightly different English pronunciations.)

Usage and examples with the word annual in English

Let's break down how to use the word "annual" in English. It's a pretty versatile word, but it has a specific meaning.

1. Core Meaning:

  • Relating to a year; done or occurring every year. This is the fundamental definition.

2. How to Use It – Examples:

Here’s how you'd typically use “annual” in sentences:

  • Describing Events: “We have an annual conference for all our employees.” (Meaning it happens every year.)
  • Describing Frequency: “The museum holds an annual exhibition of Impressionist paintings.” (Happens every year.)
  • Describing Costs/Fees: “The annual membership fee is $50.” (The cost renewed each year.)
  • Describing Reports/Records: “The company publishes an annual report detailing its financial performance.” (A yearly report.)
  • Describing Periods: “He’s looking forward to his annual trip to Italy.” (A yearly trip.)
  • Describing Salaries: "She receives an annual salary of $80,000." (Paid out yearly)

3. Important Points & Variations:

  • Adjective vs. Noun: "Annual" can function as both an adjective and a noun.

    • As an adjective: It modifies a noun – “the annual meeting.”
    • As a noun: It refers to the event or thing itself – “The annual meeting took place last week.”

  • "Yearly" is a Synonym: "Annual" and "yearly" are often interchangeable. However, "annual" is generally considered a bit more formal.

  • Plural: The plural of “annual” is “annually” (as an adverb) or “annals” (as a noun referring to records of events). For example: “The event is held annually in June.” or "The annals of the company documented its growth."

4. Common Phrases Using "Annual":

  • Annual Report: A summary of a company's activities and financial performance for a year.
  • Annual Salary: The amount of money earned in a year.
  • Annual Leave/Holiday: Time off work granted annually.
  • Annual Meeting: A meeting that occurs every year, often for a company or organization.

5. Let's Practice!

Fill in the blanks with "annual" or "yearly":

  1. _____ they hold a picnic in the park?
  2. The school’s _____ fundraiser supports our library.
  3. He received an _____ bonus for his excellent work.
  4. I look forward to my _____ visit to my grandparents.

Answers:

  1. Yearly
  2. Annual
  3. Annual
  4. Yearly

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more examples?
  • Explain how "annual" compares to related words like "yearly" or "periodic"?
  • Create a short exercise for you to practice using "annual" in different contexts?

Synonyms for the word annual

Practice with vocabulary annual

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The company holds its __________ meeting to review the financial performance.
  2. She plans to take a __________ vacation to recharge and explore new places.
  3. The team completed the project on time with __________ effort.
  4. The museum offers __________ passes for frequent visitors.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which term best describes an event that happens once a year?
    a) Monthly
    b) Annual
    c) Daily
    d) Occasional
  2. What is a suitable word to describe a report released every 12 months?
    a) Yearly
    b) Biweekly
    c) Quarterly
    d) Annual
  3. Which of the following words can describe a recurring work event?
    a) Annual
    b) Seasonal
    c) Sporadic
    d) Frequent
  4. How often does the company conduct employee evaluations?
    a) Annually
    b) Semi-annually
    c) Monthly
    d) Weekly
  5. Which word is NOT related to frequency?
    a) Annual
    b) Rare
    c) Extensive
    d) Routine

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The festival happens once every year.
  2. The organization releases a report that covers the entire year.
  3. The manager conducts performance reviews on a yearly basis.

Answer:
Exercise 1:

  1. annual
  2. annual
  3. exceptional
  4. membership

Exercise 2:

  1. b) Annual
  2. d) Annual
  3. a) Annual
  4. a) Annually
  5. c) Extensive

Exercise 3:

  1. The festival is an annual event.
  2. The organization releases an annual report.
  3. The manager conducts performance reviews yearly.

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