How to Pronounce then vs den
Key Pronunciation Contrast
‘Then’ begins with voiced fricative ⁄ð⁄ (⁄ðɛn⁄); ‘den’ begins with voiced plosive /d/ (⁄dɛn⁄).
Contrast: Voiced fricative ⁄ð⁄ vs voiced plosive /d/
den
⁄dɛn⁄
DEN
A small cavern or hollow place in the side of a hill, or among rocks; especially, a cave used by a wild animal for shelter or concealment.
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80 total video examplesFrequently Asked Questions: then vs den
What is the difference in pronunciation between "then" and "den"?
‘Then’ begins with voiced fricative ⁄ð⁄ (⁄ðɛn⁄); ‘den’ begins with voiced plosive /d/ (⁄dɛn⁄).
Where does the syllable stress fall in "then" vs "den"?
"then" has 1 syllable(s) (then) with stress on "THEN". "den" has 1 syllable(s) (den) with stress on "DEN".
Why do English learners often confuse "then" and "den"?
Learners frequently confuse them due to the close sound contrast: Voiced fricative ⁄ð⁄ vs voiced plosive /d/. In rapid spoken English, context and vowel duration are the primary differentiators.
What are example sentences for "then" and "den"?
Example for "then": "He was happy then." Example for "den": "a den of robbers"