play image1815466723
Usage Notes

How Do You Pronounce 'Vase'?

And is one more correct than the others?


Depending on where you're from, you might pronounce 'vase' in one of three main ways. Is one of them considered "standard"? Peter Sokolowski explains.


TRANSCRIPT


When someone brings you flowers and asks if you have anything to put them in, you might say "Yes, there's a vās in the cabinet."
 
That's how you'll say it if you're like most Americans, anyway. If you're like most Canadians or some Americans, you'll say vāz. But if you're British or like some Canadians or even a few Americans, you'll say väz.
 
Vās, vāz, väz.
 
They're actually all fine, no matter where you come from. However you say it, the important thing is this: when someone brings you flowers, be gracious and put them in water.

Up next

play image1815466723
How Do You Pronounce 'Vase'?

 

And is one way more correct than the others?

play video its vs its
Its vs. It's

 

Some practical guidance, and interesting history, about a common mistake.

play video hopefully
Hopefully

 

We believe the popular usage of this word is correct

play emily brewster and one and the same text graphic
'One in the same' or 'One and the same'?

 

Is it all the same anyway?

play video lay vs lie
Lay vs. Lie

 

Editor Emily Brewster clarifies the difference.

play serial comma
The Serial Comma Explained

 

Why don't they call it the Merriam-Webster comma?

play video mischievous nulcear library mispronunciations
'Mispronunciations' That May Be Fine

 

'Mischievous,' 'nuclear,' and other words to pronounce with caution.