English is a complex language with a rich tapestry of sounds and it is common for both language learners and native speakers to mispronounce certain words. Familiarizing oneself with the correct pronunciation of commonly mispronounced words can significantly improve one’s command of the language. Below is a list of some of these often mispronounced words with their correct pronunciations and definitions, followed by example sentences.

Almond
The ‘l’ in almond is commonly mispronounced, while it should be silent. An almond is a type of edible nut.
I prefer to start my day with a handful of almonds to boost my energy levels.

Archive
This word is often mispronounced due to confusion about the ‘ch’ sound, which should sound like ‘k’. An archive is a collection of historical documents or records.
The historian spent the day perusing the newspaper archives.

Debris
The last ‘s’ in debris is often mispronounced as ‘z’ when it should be silent. Debris refers to scattered pieces of waste or remains.
After the storm, the streets were littered with debris.

Et cetera
Many speakers mistakenly say “ex cetera” instead of the correct “et cetera,” which means ‘and the rest’.
I need to buy groceries like vegetables, rice, pasta, et cetera.

Espresso
A common error is pronouncing espresso as “expresso”. Espresso is a strong black coffee made by forcing steam through ground coffee beans.
She ordered a double espresso to help her stay awake for the meeting.

February
The first ‘r’ in February is often overlooked, but it should be pronounced. February is the second month of the year.
Valentine’s Day is a popular celebration in February.

Library
The first ‘r’ in library is sometimes not pronounced, but it should be. A library is a building or room containing collections of books.
The library has a vast collection of classic literature.

Often
The ‘t’ in often is frequently pronounced; however, it should be silent. Often means frequently.
We often go for a walk in the park after dinner.

Salmon
The ‘l’ in salmon is silent, which can be confusing. Salmon is a type of fish commonly eaten as food.
He chose the grilled salmon for his main course.

Schedule
Depending on where you are in the English-speaking world, the ‘sch’ in schedule can be pronounced as ‘sk’ or ‘sh’. Schedule refers to a plan for carrying out a process or procedure.
I need to check my schedule before I can confirm the appointment.

Quinoa
This word is often mispronounced due to its unconventional spelling for English speakers. Quinoa is a grain crop that is grown for its edible seeds.
Quinoa is a nutritious alternative to rice and can be used in many different dishes.

By paying attention to the correct pronunciation of these commonly mispronounced words, you can improve your articulation and be better understood in conversations. Remember that practice and listening to native speakers can help solidify these pronunciations in your everyday speech.