What is append? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of append

appendverb

/əˈpend//əˈpend/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "append" in English. It can be tricky because it doesn't follow typical English pronunciation rules. Here's a breakdown:

1. The Core Sound:

  • The "ap" sound: This is the most important part. It's pronounced like the "ap" in "apple" or "paper." It's a short, clear "ap" sound.

2. The "-pend" Part:

  • The "pen" sound: This part is where it gets tricky. It's pronounced like "pen" as in "pen down." However, it's not the same as the "pen" in "pen pal." It’s a slightly shorter, sharper sound.

3. Combining it all:

Putting it together, you get: "ap-pend"

Here's a phonetic approximation (using the International Phonetic Alphabet - IPA):

/ˈæp.pənd/

  • ˈæp: (stress on the first syllable - "ap")
  • pənd: (the "pen" sound)

Tips for Pronunciation:

  • Listen to examples: The best way to get it right is to hear it. Search online for "how to pronounce append" on YouTube. Many dictionaries (like Merriam-Webster or Cambridge) have audio pronunciations.
  • Practice slowly: Break it down into syllables and repeat each part ("ap" and "pend") several times before putting them together.
  • Shorten the "pen" sound: Don’t over-emphasize the "pen" part. It’s a quick, almost clipped sound.

Resources for Hearing it:

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Usage and examples with the word append in English

Let's break down how to use the word "append" in English. It's a slightly more formal word than "add," and it has a specific meaning.

1. Core Meaning: To attach something to the end of something else.

At its simplest, "append" means to add something to the end of a list, document, or other sequence. It suggests a deliberate connection, often with a sense of completing or adding a final piece.

2. Common Usage Scenarios:

  • Lists and Data Structures (Programming & Math): This is where "append" is most frequently used.

    • Programming (Python, JavaScript, etc.): You'd use append() to add an element to the end of a list.
      • Example: my_list.append(5) (This adds the number 5 to the end of the list my_list)
    • Math: You might append a term to the end of a sum or equation.
      • Example: "Append the variable 'x' to the expression to represent the total cost."

  • Documents and Text: It can be used to describe adding something to the end of a written piece.

    • Example: "The editor appended a concluding paragraph to summarize the key findings."
    • Example: "He appended his signature to the contract."

  • Genealogy/Family Trees: It’s used to add details about a family member at the end of a record.

    • Example: “The researcher appended notes about the deceased’s hobbies.”

  • Formal Writing / Academic Contexts: It’s more common in formal writing than in everyday conversation.

3. Synonyms (Words with similar meanings):

  • Add
  • Attach
  • Join
  • Append (itself - sometimes repeated for emphasis)
  • Include
  • Incorporate

4. Forms of the Word:

  • Append: The base form (used as a verb)
  • Appending: The present participle (used with verbs like "is," "was," "are," "were") - "He is appending the information."
  • Appended: The past tense and past participle (used with "have," "had," "has," and "will") - "She appended a note to the letter." / “The report appended a detailed analysis.”

5. Example Sentences (To illustrate different uses):

  • "The researcher appended a list of references to the end of his paper."
  • "The programmer used the append() function to add a new item to the shopping cart."
  • “She appended a postscript to her letter, apologizing for the delay."
  • “The historian appended a footnote explaining the historical context.”

Key Difference Between "Append" and "Add":

While “add” is a more general term, "append" specifically implies adding something to the end of a sequence. "Add" can be used in many different contexts (adding ingredients to a recipe, adding numbers to a sum, etc.).

Resources to Learn More:

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  • Give you more examples of "append" in a specific context (e.g., programming, writing)?
  • Help you understand how to use it in a particular sentence?

Synonyms for the word append

Practice with vocabulary append

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The development team decided to ________ a new module's documentation to the main project handbook.
  2. Please ________ your resume and cover letter to the job application email before sending it.
  3. Users can ________ new data records to the existing transaction log without altering previous entries.
  4. It is vital to ________ clear visual aids in your presentation to enhance audience comprehension.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which action involves adding supplemental information at the end of an existing document? A. delete B. append C. modify D. remove

  2. When working with a list or a sequence of items, to add new entries specifically at the end, you would: A. prepend B. truncate C. append D. insert

  3. To combine various separate reports into a single, comprehensive document for review, you might: A. dismantle B. separate C. consolidate D. divide

  4. To add a new clause or section to the conclusion of a legal contract: A. amend B. redact C. retract D. append

  5. If you want to ensure specific findings from a survey are included within the main body of a research paper, not necessarily at the very end: A. exclude B. omit C. incorporate D. detach

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. We need to add the latest security updates to the end of the system's release notes.

    • Rewrite using "append":

  2. The editor advised the author to include an additional paragraph of concluding thoughts at the end of the essay.

    • Rewrite using "append":

  3. It is essential to include all relevant feedback from stakeholders into the project's revised scope.

    • Rewrite using a suitable replacement word (not "append"):

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The development team decided to append a new module's documentation to the main project handbook.
  2. Please attach your resume and cover letter to the job application email before sending it.
  3. Users can append new data records to the existing transaction log without altering previous entries.
  4. It is vital to include clear visual aids in your presentation to enhance audience comprehension.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. B. append
  2. C. append
  3. C. consolidate
  4. D. append
  5. C. incorporate

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. We need to append the latest security updates to the system's release notes.
  2. The editor advised the author to append an additional paragraph of concluding thoughts to the essay.
  3. It is essential to incorporate all relevant feedback from stakeholders into the project's revised scope.

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