What is share? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of share

sharenoun/verb

/ʃɛː/
Definition & pronunciation of share

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "share" in English. There are two common pronunciations, and it's helpful to know both!

1. The Most Common Pronunciation (British English):

  • Pronunciation: /ˈʃeər/ (approximately "sheer")

  • Breakdown:

    • Sh: Pronounced like the 'sh' in "ship."
    • E: Pronounced like the 'e' in "bed." (A short "e" sound)
    • Ar: Pronounced like the "ar" in "car".

  • Sound: It sounds a bit like "sheer," but slightly softer.

2. The American English Pronunciation:

  • Pronunciation: /ʃeɪr/ (approximately "share")

  • Breakdown:

    • Sh: Pronounced like the 'sh' in "ship."
    • A: Pronounced like the 'a' in "father" (a long "a" sound)
    • R: Pronounced as a clear, distinct "r" sound.

  • Sound: This one sounds quite a bit like "share" as you might spell it.

Here's a helpful tip:

Which pronunciation should you use?

  • If you're speaking British English, stick with the /ˈʃeər/ pronunciation.
  • If you're speaking American English, the /ʃeɪr/ pronunciation is more common.

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

  • Where are you learning English (country/region)?

Usage and examples with the word share in English

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

1. Sharing as in Giving/Distributing:

  • Giving something physical: "I'd like to share my chocolate with you." (Meaning: To give some of it.)
  • Sharing food: “Let's share dinner tonight.” (Meaning: We'll each eat some of the same meal.)
  • Sharing resources: “We need to share our equipment to finish the project.” (Meaning: To allow others to use something you have.)

2. Sharing as in Information/Ideas:

  • Sharing information: “I wanted to share my thoughts on the presentation.” (Meaning: To tell someone about something you’re thinking or feeling.)
  • Sharing news: “I have some exciting news to share!” (Meaning: To tell someone about something new.)
  • Sharing opinions: “Let’s share our ideas for a new marketing campaign.” (Meaning: To discuss your viewpoints.)
  • Sharing knowledge: "She's willing to share her expertise in coding." (Meaning: To offer her skills or information.)
  • Social Media: “Can you share this post on Facebook?” (Meaning: To spread the information on a social media platform.)

3. Sharing as in Being Part of Something:

  • Sharing a room: "They share a bedroom with their younger sister." (Meaning: They both use the same space.)
  • Sharing a responsibility: "We share the responsibility for caring for the dog." (Meaning: We both have a part in it.)
  • Sharing a belief: "We share the same values and beliefs." (Meaning: We agree on important things.)

4. Sharing as in Participating/Contributing:

  • Share in (a success): "He shared in the joy of the victory." (Meaning: He experienced the success along with others.)
  • Share the burden: “Let’s share the burden of caring for our elderly parents.” (Meaning: Let’s divide the responsibility.)

5. Phrases Using "Share":

  • Share with: "Please share with me!" (Meaning: Give some to me.)
  • Share a laugh: "We shared a laugh at the comedian’s jokes."
  • Share a secret: "I shared a secret with my best friend."
  • Share a dream: "They share a dream of traveling the world."
  • Share your opinion: “I’d like to share my opinion on this matter.”

6. "Share" as a Verb - To Divide/Distribute (Less Common)

  • Share the costs: "We'll share the costs of the trip." (Meaning: We’ll split the expenses.)

Tips for Using "Share" Correctly:

  • Context is key: The meaning of "share" depends heavily on the context of the sentence.
  • Consider the object: What is being shared? (information, resources, experiences, etc.)
  • “Share with” is often used when giving something to someone.

Resources for Further Learning:

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

  • What kind of context are you thinking about when you want to use "share"? (e.g., “I want to use it when talking about ideas,” or “I need to know how it works in a conversation about money.”)

Synonyms for the word share

Idioms of the word share

share and share alike
(saying)used to say that everyone should share things equally and in a fair way
    a trouble shared is a trouble halved
    (saying)if you talk to somebody about your problems and worries, instead of keeping them to yourself, they seem less serious

      Practice with vocabulary share

      Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

      1. Employees are encouraged to _____ their feedback directly with their supervisors to improve workplace processes.
      2. The two departments decided to _____ resources on the new project to optimize efficiency and reduce costs.
      3. Could you please _____ me the meeting minutes by the end of the day?
      4. The consultant will _____ an overview of the market trends during the morning session.

      Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

      1. Participants are encouraged to _____ their insights and experiences during the workshop's group discussion. A) share B) keep C) withhold D) disclose E) conceal

      2. To foster a collaborative environment, team members should actively _____ responsibility for project success. A) distribute B) avoid C) share D) shirk E) split

      3. The company aims to _____ its expertise in sustainable energy solutions with partners globally. A) hoard B) accumulate C) disseminate D) share E) restrict

      4. Before implementing any changes, it is vital to _____ the potential risks and benefits thoroughly. A) assess B) ignore C) overlook D) discount

      5. The project manager will _____ the tasks among the team members based on their individual strengths. A) merge B) combine C) allocate D) centralize

      Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

      1. All team members must communicate their progress updates regularly.
        • Rewrite:
      2. The research findings showed a common belief among the survey participants regarding the economic outlook.
        • Rewrite:
      3. It is important for presenters to clearly state their main arguments at the beginning of their talk.
        • Rewrite:

      Answer:

      Exercise 1:

      1. share
      2. share
      3. send
      4. present

      Exercise 2:

      1. A) share, D) disclose
      2. A) distribute, C) share, E) split
      3. C) disseminate, D) share
      4. A) assess
      5. C) allocate

      Exercise 3:

      1. All team members must share their progress updates regularly.
      2. The research findings showed a shared belief among the survey participants regarding the economic outlook.
      3. It is important for presenters to clearly state their main arguments at the beginning of their talk.

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