What is recently? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of recently

recentlyadverb

/ˈriːsntli/
Definition & pronunciation of recently

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

1. Syllable Breakdown:

  • Rec- (like "rek") - This is relatively straightforward.
  • -ent- (like "ent") - This is a common sound.
  • -ly (like "lee") - This is a common suffix.

2. The tricky part: "Rec"

The "rec" sound in "recently" is not like "red" or "neck." It's a slightly guttural sound, almost like you're pushing the air out of your throat. It's close to the sound you might make if you're starting to cough, but much lighter. Here’s how to make it:

  • Start with your tongue slightly back in your mouth.
  • Gently push the air from your throat. Imagine you're trying to clear a small blockage.
  • Produce a short, quick sound.

3. Putting it all together:

Here's a step-by-step breakdown:

  1. "Rek" (the "rec" sound - throat push)
  2. "Ent" (like "ent")
  3. "Lee" (the "-ly" sound)

So, it sounds something like: /ˈrɛsəntli/

  • ˈ - This symbol indicates primary stress, meaning the "rek" syllable is emphasized.

Tips & Resources:

  • Listen to native speakers: The best way to learn is to hear it! Here are some good resources:

    • Google Translate: Type “recently” into Google Translate and click the speaker icon to hear the pronunciation. (https://translate.google.com/)
    • Forvo: This website has pronunciations from native speakers worldwide: https://forvo.com/word/recently/
    • YouTube: Search for "how to pronounce recently" on YouTube – you’ll find many helpful videos.

  • Record yourself: Record yourself saying the word and compare it to a native speaker’s pronunciation.

  • Practice slowly: Don’t try to rush. Break it down into the syllables and practice each one separately.

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you a few more example words with similar sounds?

Usage and examples with the word recently in English

Let's break down how to use the word "recently" in English. It's a versatile word that generally refers to something that happened not very long ago. Here's a detailed explanation, broken down into categories:

1. Basic Usage - Indicating a Recent Time

  • Most Common Use: "Recently" means "in the recent past." It's used to describe events, situations, or experiences that happened within the last few weeks or months.

    • Examples:
      • "I recently visited Paris." (Happened within the last few months)
      • "She recently started a new job." (Happened relatively recently)
      • "Recently, there's been a lot of rain." (Happened in the recent past)
      • "I recently read a fascinating book."

2. Placing it in Sentences

  • At the Beginning (Most Common): “Recently” is most often placed at the beginning of a sentence to emphasize the recentness of the event.

    • "Recently, I’ve been feeling more tired."
    • "Recently, the company announced a merger."

  • In the Middle of a Sentence: You can also use it in the middle of a sentence, but it usually clarifies when something happened.

    • “I went to the doctor recently, and he said I need to eat more vegetables.”
    • “She was worried because she hadn't heard from him recently.”

  • At the End of a Sentence: This is less common and often sounds a bit more formal.

    • "I’ve been working on a new project, and I finished it recently."

3. Modifiers – Adding Emphasis

  • "Very recently": Adds extra emphasis to how recent something is.

    • "We very recently moved to a new house."

  • "Recently enough": Can be used when you want to express that something just happened recently enough to still be noteworthy.

    • "Recently enough, I saw her at the supermarket."

4. Related Words & Phrases

  • Recently past: (Often used interchangeably with "recently") – “I recently past the grocery store.” (Corrected: “I recently passed the grocery store.”)
  • In recent times: A more formal way of saying "recently."
  • Lately: (Similar to "recently" but can sometimes imply a more habitual or ongoing recent event.) “I’ve been lately obsessed with coffee.”

5. Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't overuse it: While "recently" is useful, relying on it too heavily can make your writing sound repetitive. Try to use synonyms like "lately," "recently past," or rephrase the sentence.

  • Incorrect tense: Be careful to use the correct tense with "recently." It typically goes with the present perfect tense (have/has + past participle).

Examples Illustrating Different Usages:

  • Simple: “I recently saw a movie.”
  • With Emphasis: "Recently, several important discoveries have been made in space exploration."
  • Describing a Trend: "Recently, there's been an increase in online shopping."
  • Adding Detail: “I recently started taking yoga classes, and I feel much more relaxed.”

Resources for Further Learning:

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

  • What kind of writing are you doing? (e.g., emails, essays, creative writing?)
  • Can you give me an example sentence you're struggling with?

Synonyms for the word recently

Practice with vocabulary recently

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The company has _______ upgraded its cybersecurity protocols to address emerging threats.
  2. Many researchers have _______ shown increased interest in sustainable energy sources.
  3. The project team is _______ compiling the final report for submission by Friday.
  4. Please ensure all necessary documents are prepared; the auditor will arrive _______ for the inspection.

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

  1. Which word best describes an event that happened a short time before now? a) Regularly b) Lately c) Soon d) Recently

  2. The management team has been discussing new strategies for market expansion. This discussion occurred: a) At present b) In the future c) Not long ago d) Recently

  3. After a period of stagnation, the department's productivity has significantly improved. This improvement happened: a) Currently b) For ages c) Within the last few months d) Recently

  4. If a task needs immediate attention, it should be addressed: a) Eventually b) Immediately c) Always d) In the past

  5. To ensure customer satisfaction, the support team handles all urgent requests _____. a) Eventually b) Promptly c) Sometimes d) In the future

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. It has only been a short time since the new policy was implemented. (Rewrite using "recently")
  2. Within the last few weeks, significant progress has been made on the research project. (Rewrite using "recently")
  3. He just finished his presentation. (Rewrite, but do NOT use "recently")

Answer:

Exercise 1:

  1. recently
  2. recently
  3. currently
  4. soon

Exercise 2:

  1. b) Lately, d) Recently
  2. c) Not long ago, d) Recently
  3. c) Within the last few months, d) Recently
  4. b) Immediately
  5. b) Promptly

Exercise 3:

  1. The new policy has been recently implemented.
  2. Significant progress has been recently made on the research project.
  3. He finished his presentation a moment ago.

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