What is production? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of production

productionnoun

/prəˈdʌkʃn/
Definition & pronunciation of production

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "production." It's a tricky one for some! Here's a breakdown and a few ways to approach it:

The Most Common & Generally Accepted Pronunciation:

  • /ˌprɒdəsˈɛn/ (American English) - This is the pronunciation you'll hear most often in the US.
    • “prod” - Like the word "prod" (as in to encourage) - A short, crisp sound.
    • “-dus” - Like the word "dusky" – a very brief, almost silent "uh" sound.
    • “-ˈɛn” - This is the stressed syllable. “Eh” as in “pen”. The stress is before the "n."

A More Traditional (British English) Pronunciation:

  • /prəˈdʌkʃən/ - This is more common in the UK.
    • “prod” - Same as above.
    • “-duk-shun” - “duk” as in “duck”, and “shun” as in “sun”.

Here's a breakdown of the sounds:

Word Part American English British English
prod /prɒd/ /prə/
-dus/ -shun /dəs/ /ʃən/
Stress Before "n" on "shun"

Resources to Help You Hear It:

Tips for Getting It Right:

  • Don't over-emphasize the "t": It's not a pronounced "t" sound as in "production-t."
  • Keep the "dus" or "shun" very brief. It's almost like you're gliding over it.
  • Practice slowly at first: Break the word down into its parts and say each part clearly before putting them together.

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

  • Where are you located (or what kind of English do you want to pronounce it in?) (e.g., "I'm in the USA," or "I want to sound like a British speaker").

Usage and examples with the word production in English

Let's break down how to use the word "production" in English. It's a versatile word with several different meanings! Here's a breakdown categorized for clarity:

1. As a Noun (Most Common Usage)

  • Manufacturing/Creating: This is likely the most common meaning. It refers to the process of making something.

    • "The production of cars is increasing steadily."
    • "The factory has a high production rate."
    • "The production line was disrupted by a machine malfunction."
    • "The company is investing in new production technology."

  • Output/Yield: It can mean the amount of something that's produced.

    • "The production of apples this year is down due to the drought."
    • "The film’s production was surprisingly large – over 200 people were involved."
    • "The production of the report took three weeks."

  • A Performance/Show: Referring to a theatrical, musical, or other live performance.

    • "The production of ‘Hamlet’ was critically acclaimed.”
    • "The director's vision for the production was unique."

  • A Series of Goods/Work (General): A batch or series of items.

    • “The production of this series of paintings started in 2020.”
    • “The production of the next album is underway.”

2. As a Verb

  • To Manufacture/Produce: To make something.

    • “The factory produces thousands of widgets each day.”
    • “The company will produce a new line of smartphones next year.”

  • To Generate/Create (Figuratively): To bring into existence or create, often something intangible like an idea or feeling.

    • "His lectures produce a lot of questions from the students." (meaning they stimulate questions)
    • "The new policy didn’t produce the desired results.” (meaning it didn't cause the desired outcome)

3. Related Terms & Phrases

  • Production Cost: The expense of manufacturing something.
  • Production Schedule: A plan for when things will be produced.
  • Production Manager: The person in charge of overseeing the manufacturing process.
  • Production Value: The quality or scale of a film, TV show, or other creative work (often referring to the budget and technical aspects). "This movie has really high production value."

Here's a table summarizing the uses:

Part of Speech Meaning Example
Noun Manufacturing process/output The production of steel is vital.
Noun A performance/show The theatre’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream was fantastic.
Verb To manufacture/create They produce cars for the automotive industry.
Verb To generate/create (figuratively) His research produces valuable insights.

Tips for Using "Production" Correctly:

  • Context is key: Pay attention to the surrounding words to understand what “production” refers to.
  • Be specific: If possible, use more specific words (e.g., "manufacturing," "output," “performance”) for clarity.

Could you tell me:

  • What are you trying to write/say where you want to use "production"? (e.g., a business report, a creative writing piece, a conversation?) Knowing the context will help me give you even more tailored advice.

Synonyms for the word production

Idioms of the word production

on production of something
(formal)when you show something
  • Discounts only on production of your student ID card.

Practice with vocabulary production

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The company significantly increased its car __________ last quarter to meet growing demand in Asia.
  2. Achieving high levels of personal __________ requires effective time management and focus.
  3. The new documentary film, a joint __________ between two major studios, explores the impact of climate change.
  4. Ensuring a consistent __________ of raw materials is crucial for uninterrupted manufacturing operations.

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

  1. Which of the following terms accurately describes the process of making or creating goods or services, especially on an industrial scale? a) Development b) Output c) Production d) Generation

  2. To improve team __________, we need to streamline workflows and reduce unnecessary steps. a) efficiency b) output c) productivity d) performance

  3. The studio announced a significant increase in the __________ budget for their upcoming blockbuster film. a) shooting b) manufacturing c) production d) artistic

  4. The __________ of innovative solutions is essential for staying competitive in the market. a) creation b) supply c) development d) maintenance

  5. Which of these activities are typically involved in bringing a new physical product to market? a) Research & Design b) Raw Material Sourcing c) Production d) Distribution

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The company is currently making a large quantity of electric car batteries.

    • Rewrite the sentence using the word "production".

  2. There has been a slowdown in the factory's output due to mechanical issues.

    • Rewrite the sentence using a form of the word "production" as a noun.

  3. The team is focused on bringing about new ideas for improving customer service.

    • Rewrite the sentence without using "production" or its related forms, using a suitable replacement word for "bringing about new ideas".

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. production
  2. productivity
  3. production
  4. supply

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. c) Production
  2. a) efficiency, c) productivity
  3. c) production
  4. a) creation, c) development
  5. a) Research & Design, b) Raw Material Sourcing, c) Production, d) Distribution

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The company is currently involved in the production of a large quantity of electric car batteries. / The company is currently increasing its production of electric car batteries.
  2. Mechanical issues have led to a slowdown in the factory's production.
  3. The team is focused on developing new ideas for improving customer service.

Comment ()