What is free? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of free

freeadjective

/friː/
Definition & pronunciation of free

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "free" in English! It's a tricky one for non-native speakers because it doesn't follow typical English pronunciation rules.

Here's the most common and accepted way to pronounce it:

ˈfriː

Let's break that down:

  • ˈ (This symbol indicates primary stress – it’s the loudest and most emphasized syllable.)
  • fri – This part sounds like the word "fry" but without the 'r' sound. It’s a short, crisp "free" sound. Think of it like you're saying "freet" quickly.
  • ː (This symbol indicates a lengthened vowel sound.) – The vowel sound in “free” is held for a slightly longer duration than a typical short vowel sound.

Tips & Common Mistakes:

  • Don't say "fray": This is a very common mistake. "Free" doesn't have a 'y' sound.
  • Don't add an 'r': It’s a very important point! The "r" isn’t pronounced.
  • Focus on the short "i" sound: The sound is similar to the "i" in "bit" or "sit."
  • Practice slowly: Record yourself saying it and listen back to compare.

Resources for Hearing it:

  • Google Search: Simply search "how to pronounce free" on Google and you'll find audio clips.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/free/ - This website has pronunciations by native speakers.
  • YouGlish: https://youglish.com/w/free - This shows you "free" used in real-life videos and how it’s pronounced in context.

To help me tailor the explanation further, would you like me to:

  • Give you a few example sentences using the word "free"?
  • Compare it to a similar-sounding word (like "fry")?

Usage and examples with the word free in English

Let's break down how to use the word "free" in English. It's a deceptively versatile word! Here's a breakdown of its different meanings and how to use them:

1. Without Cost (Most Common)

  • Meaning: Not costing any money.
  • Usage: This is the most familiar meaning.
  • Examples:
    • "This movie is free at the community center."
    • "I got a free coffee with my breakfast."
    • "Is this concert free to attend?"
    • "It's free shipping on orders over $50."

2. Not Restricted or Limited

  • Meaning: Without constraints, limitations, or obligations.
  • Usage: Often used with verbs like "to be," "to feel," "to act," etc.
  • Examples:
    • "I'm free tomorrow." (Meaning you have no commitments.)
    • "The children were free to play outside."
    • "She felt free to express her opinions."
    • "The company is free to negotiate the contract."

3. Independent; Not Owned

  • Meaning: Not belonging to someone; not under control.
  • Usage: Often used with concepts of ownership, property, or liberty.
  • Examples:
    • "The country gained its freedom after a long war." (Referring to independence)
    • "He is free to make his own choices." (Referring to autonomy)
    • "The bird flew free into the sky." (Refering to freedom from confinement)

4. As an Adjective Describing Something Without Charge (Less Common)

  • Meaning: Describes something given without payment.
  • Examples:
    • "I received a free gift."
    • "They offered free advice."

5. "Free" as a Verb – To Release

  • Meaning: To set someone or something free.
  • Usage: Often used in contexts of releasing animals, prisoners, or ideas.
  • Examples:
    • "The warden freed the prisoners."
    • "The activist freed the rescued animals."

6. Slang/Informal Usage

  • "Free as a bird": Meaning carefree and happy; having no worries.
  • “Let’s chill”/“Let’s hang out”: Often colloquially shortened to "free" (meaning to do something casually and without obligation). "Are you free tonight?" (Are you available to do something fun?)

Important Considerations:

  • "Free of" vs. "Free from": These are often confused.

    • "Free of" means lacking something (e.g., “The house is free of cracks.” – It doesn't have cracks.)
    • "Free from" means lacking something negative (e.g., “He is free from corruption.” – He isn't involved in corruption.)

  • Capitalization: "Free" is always capitalized when referring to freedom as a concept (e.g., “the fight for democracy and freedom”).

Resources for Further Learning:

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

  • What specifically are you trying to use "free" in? (e.g., “I'm writing a sentence,” “I want to understand how to use it in a particular context.”)

Synonyms for the word free

Idioms of the word free

be home and free
to have done something successfully, especially when it was difficult
  • I could see the finish line and thought I was home free.
free and easy
informal; relaxed
  • Life was never going to be so free and easy again.
(give somebody/get) a free pass
(informal)if you give somebody a free pass or somebody gets a free pass, they are not punished for something bad they have done, or they are given permission to do something bad
  • This time he gets a free pass but if he does it again, he’ll be sent to jail.
  • Just because someone has expensive designer gear, it doesn't mean they have a free pass to be mean to my staff.
get, have, etc. a free hand
to get, have, etc. the opportunity to do what you want to do and to make your own decisions
  • I was given a free hand in designing the syllabus.
get, take, etc. a free ride
to get or take something without paying because somebody else is paying for it
    give/allow somebody/something free/full rein | give/allow free/full rein to something
    to give somebody complete freedom of action; to allow a feeling to be expressed freely
    • The designer was given free rein.
    • The script allows full rein to her larger-than-life acting style.
    • When I paint I just give my imagination free rein.
    it’s a free country
    (informal)used as a reply when somebody suggests that you should not do something, or when somebody has asked permission or said they are going to do something
    • It's a free country; I'll say what I like!
    • Wear what you like. It's a free country.
    • ‘It's a free country!’ he shouted. ‘I can do what I like!’
    there’s no such thing as a free lunch
    (informal)used to say that it is not possible to get something for nothing
      walk free
      to be allowed to leave court, etc., without receiving any punishment
      • She was acquitted and walked free from court.

      Practice with vocabulary free

      Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

      Complete the following sentences with the most appropriate word.

      1. Access to the online resource library is ______ for all registered members of the community center.
      2. Once the current phase of the project is complete, the development team will be ______ to allocate more time to innovation.
      3. The new company-wide training modules are now ______ on the internal learning platform.
      4. Employees who have worked for the company for over 10 years are ______ from participating in the mandatory annual review of benefits.

      Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

      Choose all correct answers for each question.

      1. The introductory workshop on data analytics is entirely ______ for all university students. A) complimentary B) optional C) mandatory D) free

      2. After receiving approval from the board, the executive team felt ______ to implement the new strategic plan. A) allowed B) prevented C) unrestricted D) free

      3. I will be ______ from 4:00 PM onwards if you wish to discuss the contract details. A) occupied B) engaged C) available D) free

      4. During the safety inspection, it was noted that several wires were left ______ near the machinery, posing a risk. A) loose B) exposed C) unsecured D) untied

      5. The new management approach aims to provide employees with greater ______ over their project timelines. A) autonomy B) control C) flexibility D) independence

      Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

      Rewrite the following sentences according to the instructions.

      1. Rewrite the sentence using "free" or a related word form: Employees are not obligated to work overtime this week.

      2. Rewrite the sentence using "free" or a related word form: The manager has given permission for the team to decide on the project's direction independently.

      3. Rewrite the sentence without using "free" or any related word forms: You can download the latest software update now.

      Answer Key

      Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

      1. Access to the online resource library is free for all registered members of the community center.
      2. Once the current phase of the project is complete, the development team will be free to allocate more time to innovation.
      3. The new company-wide training modules are now available on the internal learning platform.
      4. Employees who have worked for the company for over 10 years are exempt from participating in the mandatory annual review of benefits.

      Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

      1. The introductory workshop on data analytics is entirely ______ for all university students. A) complimentary, D) free
      2. After receiving approval from the board, the executive team felt ______ to implement the new strategic plan. A) allowed, C) unrestricted, D) free
      3. I will be ______ from 4:00 PM onwards if you wish to discuss the contract details. C) available, D) free
      4. During the safety inspection, it was noted that several wires were left ______ near the machinery, posing a risk. A) loose, B) exposed, C) unsecured, D) untied
      5. The new management approach aims to provide employees with greater ______ over their project timelines. A) autonomy, B) control, C) flexibility, D) independence

      Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

      1. Rewrite the sentence using "free" or a related word form: Employees are free from mandatory overtime this week. (or: Employees are free not to work overtime this week.)

      2. Rewrite the sentence using "free" or a related word form: The manager has made the team free to decide on the project's direction independently. (or: The team is now free to decide on the project's direction independently.)

      3. Rewrite the sentence without using "free" or any related word forms: The latest software update is now available for download. (or: You can now obtain the latest software update.)

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