What is car? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of car

carnoun

/kɑː/
Definition & pronunciation of car

The word "car" is pronounced "kahr".

Here's a breakdown:

  • k - As in "kite"
  • a - As in "father"
  • r - A tricky one! It's a flap r, meaning you tap the roof of your mouth quickly with your tongue. It's a light, quick sound – almost like you're saying "caah."

You can find audio examples online if you want to hear it:

Do you want me to explain the "flap r" sound in more detail, or would you like me to give you another word to pronounce?

Usage and examples with the word car in English

Let's break down how to use the word "car" in English. It's a super common word, but it has lots of different ways to use it!

1. Basic Definition & Usage:

  • Definition: A car is a four-wheeled motor vehicle used for transportation. It's a vehicle that runs on an engine and is typically used by one or more people.
  • Simple Sentences:
    • "I have a car." (Possession)
    • "She drives a car." (Action - verb)
    • "He bought a new car." (Action - verb)
    • "The car is red." (Describing a characteristic)

2. Parts of Speech & How They're Used:

  • Noun: This is the most common usage. It's the thing itself.
    • "Let’s go for a car ride." (Referring to the vehicle)
    • "The mechanic fixed the car." (Referring to the vehicle)
  • Verb (Less Common): "Car" can also be used as a verb, meaning to carry or transport. This usage is less frequent.
    • "I will car the groceries home." (Meaning: I'll carry the groceries.) - This is more common in British English.
    • “The truck is going to car the load.” (Meaning: The truck is going to transport the load.)
  • Part of a Phrasal Verb: "Car" appears in many phrasal verbs.
    • Car out: To carry out (an experiment, plan, etc.) - "They will car out a new study."
    • Car off: To carry away (often implies removal of something unwanted) - "The wind carried off the picnic blanket."

3. More Detailed Phrases & Expressions:

  • Types of Cars:
    • "sports car"
    • "sedan car"
    • "SUV (car) "
    • "truck (car) ” (Trucks share some overlap in definition, but are traditionally distinct)
    • "electric car"
    • "hybrid car"
  • Talking about Features:
    • "The car has automatic transmission."
    • "He needs to change the car's oil."
    • "The car is very fuel-efficient."
  • Figurative Language (Less Common): Sometimes "car" is used metaphorically.
    • "He's driving his life into a ditch." (Meaning he's making bad choices) (This is a metaphor, not a literal car.)

4. Common Questions:

  • "What kind of car do you have?"
  • "How much did you pay for the car?"
  • "Can you drive the car?"

Resources for Further Learning:

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  • What specifically are you trying to use the word "car" for? (e.g., writing a story, having a conversation, understanding a specific sentence?)

Synonyms for the word car

Practice with vocabulary car

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. She decided to take the ______ to work instead of the bus.
  2. The mechanic inspected the ______ for any signs of damage.
  3. He prefers riding his ______ to the office because it’s faster in traffic.
  4. During the storm, they took shelter under the ______ at the gas station.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following is a common mode of transportation?
    a) Car
    b) Bicycle
    c) Refrigerator
    d) Sofa

  2. What do you call the vehicle with four wheels used for personal travel?
    a) Train
    b) Car
    c) Boat
    d) Airplane

  3. Which item is not typically found in a kitchen?
    a) Oven
    b) Blender
    c) Car
    d) Microwave

  4. Which word is a synonym for "automobile"?
    a) Bus
    b) Car
    c) Truck
    d) Motorcycle

  5. What do you use to cross a river if there is no bridge?
    a) Car
    b) Boat
    c) Bicycle
    d) Airplane

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: She drove her vehicle to the grocery store.
    Rewrite: She drove her car to the grocery store.

  2. Original: The parking lot was full of automobiles.
    Rewrite: The parking lot was full of cars.

  3. Original: He took the subway to avoid traffic congestion.
    Rewrite: He took the train to avoid traffic congestion.

Answer:

Exercise 1:

  1. car
  2. car
  3. motorcycle
  4. awning

Exercise 2:

  1. a) Car, b) Bicycle
  2. b) Car
  3. c) Car
  4. b) Car
  5. b) Boat

Exercise 3:

  1. She drove her car to the grocery store.
  2. The parking lot was full of cars.
  3. He took the train to avoid traffic congestion.

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