What is abroad? Pronunciation and usage in English

abroad means . Learn how to pronounce and use abroad through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of abroad

abroadadverb

/əˈbrɔːd/
Definition & pronunciation of abroad

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "abroad." It's a common stumbling block for English learners! Here's a breakdown:

1. Syllables:

The word "abroad" is really just two syllables:

  • a- (like the "a" in "father")
  • broad (as in, wide)

2. Pronunciation Breakdown:

  • "a": As mentioned, this is like "father."
  • "broad": This is the trickiest part. It’s not pronounced like “brave.” It's pronounced more like "brode.” This is key! The "o" sound is a bit wider and more open than in "boat" or "go." Think of it as an "ah" sound but slightly more spread out. Some people subtly add a slight "d" sound at the end, but it’s not a full “d” – it’s more of a subtle rounding of the vowel.

3. Putting it Together:

So, it sounds something like: “ah-brode”

4. Tips & Listen to Examples:

  • Emphasis: The emphasis is typically on the first syllable ("a").
  • Listen to Native Speakers: This is crucial. The subtle rounding of the "o" in “broad” is hard to hear without hearing it. Here are some links to hear native speakers pronounce it:

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

  • Pronouncing "broad" like "brave." This is the most frequent error.
  • Saying "a-brawd." (Adding an extra 'd' sound)

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • Are you a native speaker of another language? (Knowing your native language might help me identify common pronunciation challenges.)

Usage and examples with the word abroad in English

Let's break down how to use the word "abroad" in English. It's a common word, but it has specific usages. Here's a breakdown with examples:

1. As an Adverb (Most Common Usage): Describing Location

  • Meaning: Outside of one’s own country. It describes a place where you are not from.
  • Usage: It’s almost always used with a verb to describe where someone is traveling, living, or studying.
  • Examples:
    • "I’m going abroad for university." (You’re traveling to a different country for education.)
    • "She lived abroad in Italy for five years." (She resided in Italy.)
    • "He’s working abroad at the moment." (He’s employed in a different country.)
    • “They spent their honeymoon abroad in France.”

2. As a Prepositional Phrase (Modifying a Verb)

  • Meaning: The same as above – indicating a location outside of one's own country.
  • Usage: It acts like an adjective, describing where something is happening.
  • Examples:
    • "He’s planning a trip abroad." (Describing the type of trip.)
    • "She has a lot of friends who live abroad." (Describing where they live.)
    • "The company is expanding its operations abroad." (Describing where they are expanding.)

3. Less Common Uses (More Formal)

  • Historical/Cultural Context: Sometimes it's used in a more formal, historical, or cultural context, referring to lands outside of one's own nation. This is less frequent in everyday speech.
    • "The ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia were abroad from our own." (Referring to lands geographically distant.)

Key Points & Differences:

  • “Abroad” vs. “Overseas”: These words are often used interchangeably, but “overseas” can feel slightly warmer or more informal. "Abroad" is generally considered more neutral.
  • “Abroad” vs. “Foreign”: “Foreign” describes someone or something from another country. “Abroad” describes the place where someone is.
    • "He is a foreign student." (Describes a person)
    • "She studied abroad." (Describes the location)

Let's test your understanding with some sentences:

Fill in the blank with “abroad”:

  1. “My cousin is studying __________ for a year.”
  2. “Many tourists visit __________ during the summer.”
  3. “She wants to open a business __________.”

Answers:

  1. abroad
  2. abroad
  3. abroad

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more example sentences?
  • Explain a specific nuance of its usage?
  • Help you write a sentence using “abroad”?

Synonyms for the word abroad

Practice with vocabulary abroad

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. She decided to study __________ to experience a different culture.
  2. Many people travel __________ during the summer holidays.
  3. He chose to work __________ to gain international experience.
  4. The company expanded its operations __________ to reach new markets.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which word(s) can describe living in a different country?
    a) abroad
    b) overseas
    c) locally
    d) domestically

  2. Which option is NOT related to traveling?
    a) abroad
    b) overseas
    c) commute
    d) hike

  3. What is the best word to complete the sentence: "They sent their children to study __________ to broaden their horizons."
    a) abroad
    b) nearby
    c) locally
    d) interstate

  4. Which word(s) mean(s) "in or to a foreign country"?
    a) abroad
    b) offshore
    c) internationally
    d) inland

  5. Choose the correct word to fill in the blank: "The couple decided to retire __________ for a change of scenery."
    a) abroad
    b) nearby
    c) domestically
    d) inland

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: She moved to another country for her job.
    Rewritten:

  2. Original: They often travel to foreign countries for vacations.
    Rewritten:

  3. Original: He wants to work in a different country in the future.
    Rewritten:

Answer:

Exercise 1:

  1. abroad
  2. abroad
  3. abroad
  4. internationally

Exercise 2:

  1. a) abroad, b) overseas
  2. d) hike
  3. a) abroad
  4. a) abroad, b) offshore
  5. a) abroad

Exercise 3:

  1. She moved abroad for her job.
  2. They often travel abroad for vacations.
  3. He wants to work overseas in the future.

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