What is desk? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of desk

desknoun

/dɛsk/
Definition & pronunciation of desk

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "desk" in English. Here's a breakdown:

The most common and widely accepted pronunciation is:

  • /dɛsk/ (rhymes with "mess" or "test")

Let's break that down further:

  • "de": Sounds like the "de" in "bed" or "red". It's a short, crisp sound.
  • "sk": This is the tricky part for some. It sounds like "sk" in "skin" or "sky". It's a quick, single "sk" sound.

Here’s a helpful breakdown of the sounds:

  1. Start with a short "d" sound: (like the "d" in "dog")
  2. Follow with a short "eh" sound: (like the "e" in "bed")
  3. Finish with a quick “sk” sound: (like the “sk” in “skin”)

Resources for hearing it:

  • Google Search: Simply search for "how to pronounce desk" on Google, and you'll find audio examples.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/desk/ - This website has pronunciations from native speakers.
  • YouTube: Many videos demonstrate how to say the word correctly.

Do you want me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation?
  • Give you some similar words to practice with?

Usage and examples with the word desk in English

Let's break down how to use the word "desk" in English. It's a versatile word with several meanings!

1. The Physical Furniture (Most Common)

  • Definition: A desk is a piece of furniture with a flat surface (usually made of wood) and drawers or shelves, used for working, writing, or studying.
  • Example Sentences:
    • "I work at my desk every day."
    • "He has a large wooden desk in his home office."
    • "Could you please put your books on the desk?"
    • "She set up her desk with a computer, lamp, and pens."

2. Figuratively - A Place for Tasks or Activities

  • Definition: "Desk" can be used metaphorically to refer to a position, role, or area of responsibility.
  • Example Sentences:
    • "He's in charge of the marketing desk." (Meaning: he’s responsible for marketing)
    • "The customer service desk is located near the entrance." (Meaning: the area where customers can get help)
    • "She handled the grant applications from her desk." (Meaning: she was responsible for processing them).

3. Inside a Computer (Technical - Less Common)

  • Definition: Referring to the area within a computer where programs run.
  • Example Sentences:
    • "The application is crashing at the desk." (Meaning: the error is occurring in the software's underlying core). - This usage is more formal and technical.

4. "Sit at the desk" - An Action

  • Definition: To be positioned at a desk, usually to work or study.
  • Example Sentences:
    • "I like to sit at the desk and read a book."
    • "He spent hours sitting at his desk, writing his novel."

Here's a breakdown of when you'd most likely use it:

  • Everyday Conversation: "I’m working at my desk." (Referring to the furniture)
  • Business/Professional Settings: "The sales desk is very busy." (Referring to a responsibility)
  • Technical discussions: "The error is occurring at the program's desk." (Referring to the software core)

Resources for More Information:

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

  • What kind of context are you thinking about? (e.g., writing an email, describing a room, talking about a job?)

Synonyms for the word desk

Practice with vocabulary desk

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The project manager neatly organized all his files and documents on his _____.
  2. Please submit your completed application forms at the reception _____ before leaving.
  3. She preferred to stand while working, so she installed a height-adjustable _____.
  4. Due to limited space, they opted for a small, round _____ in the meeting room instead of a large rectangular one.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. To ensure proper ergonomics, it's important to adjust your office _____ to the correct height for typing. a) counter b) table c) workstation d) desk

  2. The IT department recommended placing all monitors directly on the _____, rather than using a separate monitor stand. a) podium b) shelf c) desk d) surface

  3. The hotel concierge was busy assisting guests at the front _____, providing information and checking them in. a) counter b) booth c) desk d) stand

  4. During the presentation, the speaker placed his notes on the _____ at the front of the room. a) pulpit b) lectern c) podium d) dais

  5. The carpenter carefully arranged his tools on the sturdy _____ before beginning the day's work. a) shelf b) bench c) workbench d) cabinet

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. He keeps all his important papers and stationery on the flat surface where he works in his study. (Rewrite the sentence to include the word "desk".)

  2. The computer's main unit, including the monitor and keyboard, rests upon the top of the office furniture. (Rewrite the sentence to include a word related to "desk".)

  3. The student spent hours studying at their writing table, preparing for the upcoming exams. (Rewrite the sentence without using the word "desk" or its related forms.)

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. desk
  2. desk
  3. workstation
  4. table

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. c) workstation, d) desk
  2. c) desk, d) surface
  3. a) counter, c) desk
  4. b) lectern, c) podium
  5. c) workbench

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. He keeps all his important papers and stationery on his desk in his study.
  2. The computer's main unit, including the monitor and keyboard, rests upon the desktop.
  3. The student spent hours studying at their workstation, preparing for the upcoming exams.

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