English Pronunciation Tip of the Day
Tip 149
Category:
Affixes
Author: JAM
<con->, <com->
The vowel in the sequences <con-> and <com-> is, as you would expect, usually /@/ if the syllable is unstressed. Examples: continue contextual commodity comply
If the syllable is stressed, the vowel is usually /Q/. Examples: congruous conquer combat commodore. However, there are a few words where the syllable is stressed and the vowel is /V/: conjure constable (/Q/ for some speakers) comfort compass comrade (/Q/ for most speakers). Also the name Compton can have either /V/ or /Q/.