How to Pronounce cost vs caused
Key Pronunciation Contrast
‘Cost’ (⁄kɔːst⁄) ends in unvoiced /st/; ‘caused’ (⁄kɔːzd⁄) ends in voiced /zd/.
Contrast: Final cluster: unvoiced /st/ vs voiced /zd/
cost
⁄kɒst⁄
COST
To incur a charge of; to require payment of a (specified) price.
caused
⁄kɔːzd⁄
CAUSED
The source of, or reason for, an event or action; that which produces or effects a result.
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80 total video examplesFrequently Asked Questions: cost vs caused
What is the difference in pronunciation between "cost" and "caused"?
‘Cost’ (⁄kɔːst⁄) ends in unvoiced /st/; ‘caused’ (⁄kɔːzd⁄) ends in voiced /zd/.
Where does the syllable stress fall in "cost" vs "caused"?
"cost" has 1 syllable(s) (cost) with stress on "COST". "caused" has 1 syllable(s) (caused) with stress on "CAUSED".
Why do English learners often confuse "cost" and "caused"?
Learners frequently confuse them due to the close sound contrast: Final cluster: unvoiced /st/ vs voiced /zd/. In rapid spoken English, context and vowel duration are the primary differentiators.
What are example sentences for "cost" and "caused"?
Example for "cost": "This shirt cost $50, while this was cheaper at only $30." Example for "caused": "They identified a burst pipe as the cause of the flooding."