What is annually? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of annually

annuallyadverb

/ˈanjʊəli/
Definition & pronunciation of annually

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "annually" in English. It can be tricky for native English speakers too! Here's a breakdown:

1. Syllables:

"Annually" is divided into three syllables:

  • an - like the beginning of "ant"
  • nu - like "new"
  • ally - like "ally" (as in, a friend)

2. Phonetic Breakdown (using sounds):

Here's a way to approximate the pronunciation using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), which is the most accurate way to represent sounds:

  • /ˈæ næly/ (This is an approximation - it's nuanced)

3. A More Detailed Explanation & Tips:

  • "an": This is a very short, quick "an" sound – like in "ant" but even shorter.
  • "nu": This is a clear, crisp "new" sound. Don’t slur it.
  • "ally": This is the trickiest part. It should be pronounced like the word "ally," not "ah-nelly." The emphasis is on the first syllable. It's a slightly rounded vowel sound – you want to make your mouth form a slightly smaller shape than if you were saying "ah."

4. Listen to Examples:

The BEST way to learn is to hear it. Here are some resources:

  • Google Translate: Type "annually" into Google Translate and click the speaker icon. (https://translate.google.com/)
  • Forvo: (https://forvo.com/word/annually/) – This website has recordings of native speakers pronouncing the word in various accents.
  • YouTube: Search for "how to pronounce annually" on YouTube – you’ll find many videos.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

  • Slurring the syllables: Don’t say “an-nu-ally” – keep it distinct.
  • Pronouncing “ally” like “ah-nelly”: This is the most frequent mistake. Focus on the short, sharp "ally" sound.

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

  • Where are you from? (Knowing your native language can help me identify potential pronunciation difficulties).

Usage and examples with the word annually in English

Let's break down how to use the word "annually" in English. It's a useful word, but it's often confused with "annual." Here's a comprehensive guide:

1. Meaning of "Annually"

  • Definition: "Annually" means every year. It describes something that happens once a year, with no specific date mentioned. It's an adverb.

2. How to Use It

  • Expressing Frequency: You'll primarily use "annually" to indicate a recurring event that happens once per year.

    • Example: “The company holds an annually scheduled conference.” (This means the conference happens every year.)
    • Example: “They publish an annually report on their finances.” (They release a report every year.)
    • Example: "The university offers annually scholarships to deserving students." (Scholarships are awarded each year.)

3. "Annually" vs. "Annual" – The Key Difference

This is where people get tripped up!

  • "Annual" (adjective): Describes what something is - something that happens once a year.

    • Example: "The annual report is due by March 1st." (The report is a report that happens every year.)
    • Example: "She received an annual salary of $60,000." (Her salary is one that is given every year.)

  • "Annually" (adverb): Describes when something happens – it happens every year.

    • Example: “The club meets annually in June.” (The meetings occur every year in June.)

4. Examples to Illustrate

Sentence Part of Speech Explanation
“We donate to charity annually.” Adverb We donate once per year.
“This is an annually significant event.” Adverb This event is important every year.
“The insurance policy renews annually.” Adverb The policy is renewed each year.
“The festival is held annually in October.” Adverb The festival happens every year in October.
“He receives an annual bonus.” Adjective The bonus is given once per year.

5. Tips for Using It Correctly

  • Think "every year": If you're trying to say something happens every single year, “annually” is the word to use.
  • Consider the role of the word in the sentence: Are you describing when something happens (adverb) or what something is (adjective)?

Resources for Further Learning:

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more examples?
  • Create some practice sentences for you to try?
  • Explain how "annually" might be used in a specific context (e.g., business, finance, education)?

Synonyms for the word annually

Practice with vocabulary annually

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The company reviews its financial performance __________ to ensure transparency.
  2. She visits her grandparents __________, usually during the summer holidays.
  3. The magazine is published __________, making it a valuable resource for readers.
  4. Employees are required to submit their reports ___________, but some prefer to do it quarterly.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. The festival takes place:
    a) annually
    b) monthly
    c) weekly
    d) daily

  2. The budget is revised:
    a) biannually
    b) annually
    c) every five years
    d) occasionally

  3. The trees in this region shed their leaves:
    a) annually
    b) seasonally
    c) twice a year
    d) rarely

  4. The committee meets to discuss progress:
    a) occasionally
    b) annually
    c) biannually
    d) monthly

  5. The organization releases its sustainability report:
    a) annually
    b) quarterly
    c) every three years
    d) monthly

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The scholarship is awarded once every year.
  2. The conference is held each year in a different city.
  3. The software updates are scheduled every six months.

Answer

Exercise 1:

  1. annually
  2. annually
  3. annually
  4. quarterly

Exercise 2:

  1. a) annually
  2. b) annually
  3. a) annually
  4. c) biannually
  5. a) annually

Exercise 3:

  1. The scholarship is awarded annually.
  2. The conference is held annually in a different city.
  3. The software updates are scheduled biannually.

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