Quick Tip: How to Pronounce the Suffix -TION and Speak English Clearly
Do you feel nervous speaking English because people immediately ask, “Where are you from?” as soon as you open your mouth? You’re not alone. Many immigrant women want to speak English clearly but feel tired of being misunderstood.
Good news: improving your pronunciation doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Today, I’m sharing a quick, actionable tip to pronounce the suffix -tion correctly, use natural English rhythm, and a mindset hack to help you communicate confidently.
Watch the Video: Quick Tip for Pronouncing -TION
“Watch this quick 5-minute video to master the -TION suffix and speak English more clearly!”
Why the Suffix -TION Is Tricky
Words ending in -tion—like attention, vacation, or organization—often trip up English learners. Many students over-pronounce the ending, saying it like “uh-shun” in an unnatural way.
English has a special sound called the schwa (ə), a soft, quick “uh” sound that blends into natural speech. Mastering this sound will make your English pronunciation smoother and more natural.
How to Pronounce -TION Correctly
Here’s the rule:
After an s, pronounce it as -chin, like question.
After all other consonants, pronounce it as -shin, like option.
Step 1: Practice the sound
Shin: lips slightly open, teeth together, jaw relaxed → shin, shin, shin
Chin: tongue goes up, teeth open → chin, chin, chin
Step 2: Add rhythm and stress
English words have different levels of stress. When a word ends in -tion, stress the syllable right before it:
❌ vacation → vacation (wrong)
✅ vacation → vaCAYtion (right)
Stressing the correct syllable makes your speech sound natural, not monotone, and helps listeners understand you immediately.
Practice in Sentences
Try these examples:
Please pay attention.
I need a good vacation.
The train station is nearby.
Notice how the schwa blends in and your speech flows naturally.
Mindset Hack: Communication Over Perfection
Here’s the most important tip: your goal is communication, not perfection.
Many learners stay quiet or avoid speaking because they fear mistakes. But the point of pronunciation practice is to be understood, to connect, and to show up. When you let go of perfection, your confidence grows—and your English sounds even more natural.
Remember: mistakes are part of learning. Focus on expressing yourself, not being flawless.
Next Steps for Clear, Confident English
If you want to take your English pronunciation to the next level, here’s how I help immigrant women:
Identify your why: Know your motivation for improving English.
Master mouth mechanics: Learn sounds, then words, phrases, and sentences.
Practice in real-life English: Use videos and spontaneous speech exercises.
Mindset support: Overcome mental barriers and speak with confidence.
💡 Want to start speaking English clearly today? Book your Accent Evaluation here
Final Tip
Practice the -tion suffix, stress the right syllables, and remember: communication > perfection. Your voice matters, and you deserve to be heard clearly and confidently.