If you’ve got the gift of storytelling, then you’ve got the ability to quickly learn new vocabulary words and how to pronounce them. One of the problems with English vocabulary is that it’s sometimes hard to see why the pronunciation of two words is different even when the spelling is the same. The explanation for the difference can be complicated and go deep into linguistic history and etymology but the solution is simple. Use mnemonics, the association of information in a memorable way, to help you solve your pronunciation woes. In order to do that, tell a story, or just write out some sentences that help you illustrate and remember the different pronunciations and meanings. Look at these examples:

When he wound the grandfather clock he slipped off the stepstool, and the sharp edge of the wooden casing made a huge wound across the palm of his hand. (WOWND, WOOND)

Can you produce evidence that you bought all that produce at the farmer’s market? (pruh-DOOCE, PROH-dooce)

The child lined up his lead soldiers and pretended to lead them into battle. (LEHD, LEED)

Don’t desert me in the desert! (duh-ZERT, DEH-zert)

When the dove dove at my head, I ducked quickly. (DUHV, DOHV)

The invalid tried to blame the doctor for the medication’s side effects, but the judge ruled that her suit was invalid, saying that she should have read the label before taking the pills. (IHN-vuh-lihd, ihn-VAH-lihd)

Are you close to the window? Close it – I’m cold. (KLOHS, KLOWZ)

She shed a tear when she saw the tear in her favorite skirt. (TEER, TEHR)

A bad teacher will subject the students to boring lectures on every subject. (sub-JEKT, SUB-jekt)

Tell us your favorite pronunciation story!