How to pronounce English words starting with C-O-N from espressoenglish.net A student recently asked me how to pronounce English words starting with C-O-N such as content, contest, and conduct. My answer was, it depends. These three words are interesting because they each have two forms with different pronunciation. The C-O-N is pronounced con to rhyme with the word on. When that syllable is stressed and C-O-N is pronounced con to rhyme with the word sun when that syllable is unstressed. Let me show you what I mean. We have the word content, which is a noun, meaning something that is contained inside an enclosed space or limits. For example, the security guard asked to see the contents of my backpack. We also have the word content, which is an adjective, meaning satisfied. For example, I don't need any more money. I'm content with my current salary. Can you hear the difference? Content? Content. It's the same with this word. Contest, which is a noun, means a type of competition. For example, I entered some of my work in a poetry contest. The first prize is $500. The stress is on the first syllable, and we pronounce it con, contest. We also have the word contest. In this case, the stress is on the second syllable, so we pronounce the first part, con, contest. Contest is a verb, meaning to dispute, try to disprove or call into question. For example, the opposition party is contesting the election results, saying there was voter fraud. Finally, we have conduct, which is a noun, meaning behavior. For example, I was shocked by your disrespectful conduct. Again, the first part is pronounced con, conduct. It's the opposite in the verb conduct, where the first part is pronounced con. Conduct means to manage control, lead or guide. For example, scientists conduct experiments to develop new technology. As you can see, usually when the C-O-N is stressed, it is pronounced con, like on, and when the C-O-N is unstressed, it is pronounced con, like sun. However, there are some exceptions. Let's practice the pronunciation of more words starting with C-O-N. And remember, if you want in-depth pronunciation training, you can take my pronunciation course. Click on the link in the video for more information. Let's start with words with con, pronounced like on. Listen to me and repeat each word. Concentrate. Concept. Condiment. Console. Conference. Congregation. This word is an exception. The stressed syllable is A, congregation, but we still pronounce con as an on. Consequence. Contact. Contract. Controversy. Controversial. Notice that the stressed changes. In controversy, the stressed syllable is con, but in controversial, the stressed syllable is ver. Yet, the con is still pronounced like on. It's another exception. Alright, let's try some words with con, like sun. Again, listen and repeat. Conceal. Concerned. Conclude. Conclusion. Concur. Concussion. Condition. Congratulate. Connect. Consecutive. Consider. Construct. Consult. Consume. Contain. Continue. Control. Convenient. There are a few words that change pronunciation when the form of the word changes. With the following words, the first form, the verb, has con, like sun. And the second form, the noun or adjective, has con, like on. Listen and repeat. Conserve. Conservation. Confide. Confidential. Confront. Confirm. Confirmation. This happens because of the rhythm of the words. Each of the words in the second column has a stress on both the first and third syllable. Conservation. Confidential. Confrontation. Confirmation. I hope this lesson has helped you understand and practice the pronunciation of C-O-N. My pronunciation course will help you practice and improve all the sounds in the English language, so that you can speak more clearly and confidently. Click on the link in the video from more information and a free sample lesson. I also have another training course called Shadowing with Shayna, where you can listen to and repeat full phrases and sentences. If you buy both pronunciation and shadowing together, you get a discount. Again, click on the link in the video from more information and to sign up.