What is lorry? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of lorry

lorrynoun

/ˈlɒri/
Definition & pronunciation of lorry

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "lorry" in English. It's a tricky one because it doesn't follow typical English pronunciation rules!

Here's the most common and accepted pronunciation, and a breakdown of where the sounds come from:

Pronunciation: /ˈlɒri/ (rhymes with "sorry" or "story")

Let's break it down syllable by syllable:

  • “Lor”: This part is pronounced like the word "lore" – with a short "o" sound, like in "more". It's a rounded "o" sound, almost like "aw".
  • “ry”: This is the tricky part. It’s not like the "ry" in "cry" or "try". Instead, it's pronounced with a long "u" sound, similar to the "u" in "blur" or "sure". It's a slightly rounded, almost "r-colored" vowel.

Putting it together:

So, you say it like: Lohr-ree (or Loh-ree)

Tips and Regional Variations:

  • British English: This pronunciation is overwhelmingly common in Britain.
  • American English: In the US, you're much more likely to hear "lor-ee" (like "lorry" in " lorry driver"). However, the "lorry" pronunciation is still understood, especially if you mention the word is British.
  • Emphasis: The emphasis is on the second syllable ("ree").

Resources for Hearing It:

  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/lorry/ - This website lets you hear native speakers pronounce the word.
  • YouTube: Search YouTube for “how to pronounce lorry” – you’ll find many videos demonstrating the pronunciation.

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
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Usage and examples with the word lorry in English

Let's break down how to use the word "lorry" in English. It's a fascinating one because it's a British English term for a truck! Here’s a breakdown of its usage:

1. What it Means:

  • Lorry: Primarily, a lorry is a large truck – generally used for transporting goods over long distances. It's essentially the British equivalent of the word “truck.”

2. Where it’s Used:

  • British English: This is the most important thing to understand. “Lorry” is overwhelmingly used in the UK, Ireland, and other Commonwealth countries (like Australia and New Zealand). You’ll hear it constantly in everyday conversations, road signs, and media.
  • American English: In the United States, you would always use the word “truck.” Using “lorry” in America would sound very strange and out of place.

3. How to Use It in Sentences:

Here are some examples of how to use "lorry" in a sentence:

  • "A huge lorry was blocking the road." (Simple statement)
  • “The lorry driver stopped for a coffee break.” (Describing a profession)
  • “We need to get the goods to the factory by lorry.” (Describing a mode of transport)
  • “The lorries are carrying supplies to the disaster area.” (Referring to a group of vehicles)
  • “The lorry had a flat tire.” (Describing a specific issue)

4. Related Words & Phrases:

  • Lorries: The plural of lorry. “There were several lorries waiting at the depot.”
  • Lorry driver: The person who drives a lorry.
  • Lorry park: A designated area for lorries to park.
  • To load a lorry: To put goods onto a lorry.

5. Important Note on Context:

While “lorry” is primarily British, it's becoming increasingly understood in broader contexts, especially when talking about British culture or travel. However, if you're speaking to someone who isn’t familiar with British English, it's much safer and clearer to simply use the word "truck."

Resources for Further Learning:

Do you want me to:

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Synonyms for the word lorry

Idioms of the word lorry

off the back of a lorry
(British English, informal, humorous)goods that fell off the back of a lorry were probably stolen. People say or accept that they came ‘off the back of a lorry’ to avoid saying or asking where they really came from.

    Practice with vocabulary lorry

    Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

    1. The construction site required a significant amount of steel beams, and a heavy-duty _________ delivered the first batch this morning.
    2. Drivers must be extra cautious on narrow country roads when a large _________ is approaching from the opposite direction.
    3. For smaller, urgent deliveries within the city, our courier service typically uses a compact delivery _________ rather than a larger vehicle.
    4. The port authorities are responsible for managing the safe docking and efficient unloading of _________ from all incoming vessels.

    Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

    1. Which of the following vehicles is primarily designed for transporting large quantities of goods or materials over long distances? a) bicycle b) moped c) lorry d) sports car

    2. When planning the transport of heavy construction equipment to a building site, which vehicle types would be most suitable? (Select all that apply) a) sedan b) forklift c) delivery van d) lorry e) truck

    3. Drivers are advised to maintain a safe distance when following a heavy _________ due to its longer braking distance and potential blind spots. a) moped b) lorry c) golf cart d) motorcycle

    4. Which term refers to the process of efficiently managing the flow of goods from the point of origin to the point of consumption, including storage and information? a) manufacturing b) marketing c) logistics d) human resources

    5. Which of these vehicles is designed specifically for public passenger transport in urban areas? a) articulated lorry b) double-decker bus c) cement mixer d) panel van

    Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

    1. The company uses large trucks to move its products across the country.
    2. Transporting goods by road requires careful planning of routes and schedules.
    3. The package was delivered to our office by a small utility vehicle.

    Answer:

    Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

    1. lorry
    2. lorry
    3. van
    4. cargo

    Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

    1. c) lorry
    2. d) lorry, e) truck
    3. b) lorry
    4. c) logistics
    5. b) double-decker bus

    Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

    1. The company relies on a fleet of heavy-duty lorries to transport its products nationwide.
    2. Efficient lorry transport necessitates meticulous planning of delivery routes and timelines.
    3. The package arrived at our office in a compact van.

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