What is hurry? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of hurry

hurryverb

/ˈhʌri/
Definition & pronunciation of hurry

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "hurry" in English. It's a tricky one for some learners! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • ** /ˈhɜː.rɪ/ (British English)** – This is how it's usually pronounced in the UK.

    • ˈhɜː – This part sounds like "h-er" – the 'r' is a bit subtle and connected to the 'e'. Think of the vowel sound in "bird."
    • ˈrɪ – This part is like "ree" – short and crisp.

  • ** /ˈhʌ.rɪ/ (American English)** – This is the typical pronunciation in the US.

    • ˈhʌ – This part is like "huh" – a quick, short "uh" sound.
    • ˈrɪ – Same as above, "ree" – short and crisp.

Here's a breakdown of the sounds:

  • h: Pronounced as a normal "h" sound.
  • ur: This is the tricky part. It’s a single syllable, and the "r" is not a strong, rolled "r" like in Spanish. It's a softer, blended "r" sound. Think about how you pronounce "her" – it's a similar sound.
  • y: Pronounced as a short "i" sound, like in "bit."

Resources for Hearing the Pronunciation:

To help me tailor the explanation even further, could you tell me:

  • Are you interested in the British or American pronunciation?

Usage and examples with the word hurry in English

Let's break down how to use the word "hurry" in English. It's a versatile word with a few different nuances!

1. As a Verb (to hurry):

  • Meaning: To move quickly; to rush.
  • Structure: Someone + hurry + (optional object)
  • Examples:
    • "Please hurry! We're going to be late." (General urging to move quickly)
    • "He hurried down the street to catch the bus." (Specific action of moving quickly)
    • "Don't hurry yourself; take your time." (Advice not to rush)
    • "She hurried through her lunch break to finish her work." (Focus on the speed of the action)

2. As an Adjective (hurry):

  • Meaning: Characterized by haste; rushed. It describes how something is done or what something is like.
  • Structure: Hurry + noun
  • Examples:
    • "It’s a hurry to get the report finished by tomorrow." (Describes the situation as rushed)
    • "He made a hurry decision without thinking it through." (Describes his decision as impulsive and fast)
    • "The hurry of the morning commute was overwhelming.” (Describes the feeling of the commute)

3. Phrases Using "Hurry":

  • "Hurry up!" – A common and often slightly impatient command to move faster. (Informal)
  • "Let's hurry!" – An invitation or suggestion to move more quickly.
  • "In a hurry" – Meaning you are rushed or don't have time. "I'm in a hurry, I have to go."
  • "Don't be in such a hurry" – Suggesting someone is rushing unnecessarily.

Here's a table summarizing the uses:

Form Meaning Example
Verb (to hurry) To move quickly "Please hurry!"
Adjective (hurry) Rushed, hasty "It's a hurry."
Phrases Various expressions "Hurry up!", "In a hurry"

Tips for Using "Hurry":

  • Tone: "Hurry" can sometimes sound a bit demanding or impatient, especially when used as a command ("Hurry up!"). Be mindful of your tone of voice.
  • Alternatives: If you want a less forceful way to suggest speed, consider words like: speed up, quickly, get a move on, rush (though "rush" can sometimes imply stress).

Could you tell me:

  • Do you want me to give you more examples of "hurry" in different contexts?
  • Are you interested in how it compares to similar words like "rush" or "speed"?

Synonyms for the word hurry

Practice with vocabulary hurry

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. We need to ________ if we want to catch the early train to the conference.
  2. Please don't be ________; take your time to review all the contract details thoroughly.
  3. The manager asked us to ________ the process to meet the client's demanding timeline for project completion.
  4. There's no ________ to make a final decision right now; we have ample time to deliberate.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (There may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. To ensure we submit the proposal on time, we must ________ the final checks. A) accelerate B) dawdle C) hurry D) procrastinate

  2. He left the meeting ________, grabbing his briefcase and nodding briefly to his colleagues. A) without haste B) leisurely C) in a hurry D) at a slow pace

  3. We need to ________ if we want to complete the analysis before lunch. A) move quickly B) hurry C) take our time D) postpone

  4. The board requested that the comprehensive report be submitted ________. A) without delay B) at a later date C) promptly D) in due course

  5. Her ________ response to the unexpected market fluctuation prevented further financial damage. A) leisurely B) immediate C) gradual D) swift

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. We must finish this task very quickly before the end of the day.

    • Rewrite using "hurry":

  2. There's no reason to make a rushed decision about your career path.

    • Rewrite using "hurry":

  3. The government implemented measures to speed up the economic recovery.

    • Rewrite using a suitable replacement word (do NOT use "hurry"):

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. hurry
  2. in a hurry
  3. expedite
  4. urgency

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. A) accelerate, C) hurry
  2. C) in a hurry
  3. A) move quickly, B) hurry
  4. A) without delay, C) promptly
  5. B) immediate, D) swift

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. We must hurry to finish this task before the end of the day.
  2. There's no need to hurry your decision about your career path.
  3. The government implemented measures to accelerate the economic recovery.

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