What is blank? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of blank

blankadjective

/blaŋk/
Definition & pronunciation of blank

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "blank" in English. It's a tricky one because it's often mispronounced! Here's a breakdown:

The Correct Pronunciation:

  • ˈblæŋk (rhymes with "rank")

Let's break that down further:

  • ˈ (This is a primary stress mark. It means the first syllable is emphasized.)
  • bl – Sounds like the "bl" in "blue" or "black."
  • æ – This is a short, open "a" sound, like in the word "cat" or "hat." It's not like the long "a" in "cake."
  • ŋ – This is the most challenging part. It's the "ng" sound as in "sing" or "ring." It's a nasal sound – meaning air comes out through your nose as you make it. You can feel it in your nose.

Tips for Pronouncing It:

  1. Start with the "bl" sound: "Blue," "black."
  2. Add the short "a" sound: "Cat," "hat."
  3. MOST IMPORTANTLY: Add the "ng" sound: Practice saying "sing" and "ring" repeatedly. Think about the air moving through your nose as you make that sound.

Common Mispronunciations & Why They're Wrong:

  • “Blank” like “black”: This is the most common mistake. It's using the long "a" sound.
  • “Blonk”: This is also incorrect.

Resources to Hear it:

  • YouTube: Search for "how to pronounce blank English" on YouTube. You'll find several videos with clear audio examples.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/blank/ - This website lets you hear native speakers pronounce the word in different accents.

Do you want me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation for you?
  • Give you some more practice words with the "ng" sound?

Usage and examples with the word blank in English

Let's break down how to use the word "blank" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with several different meanings and uses. Here's a categorized breakdown:

1. Empty, Vacant, or Unfilled (Most Common)

  • Meaning: This is the primary meaning – completely empty, lacking something.
  • Examples:
    • "The page was blank." (Meaning: The page had no writing on it.)
    • "She left a blank space on the form." (Meaning: She intentionally left the space empty.)
    • "The road was blank with snow." (Meaning: Completely covered in snow.)
    • "He stared at the blank canvas, unsure of what to paint." (Meaning: The canvas was empty.)

2. A Template or Placeholder

  • Meaning: Used as a starting point, something to be filled in with information. Often used in forms, documents, and designs.
  • Examples:
    • "Fill in the blanks on the application." (Meaning: Complete the missing information.)
    • "This is a blank check – write the amount you need." (Meaning: An empty check.)
    • "The website used a blank template for the new design." (Meaning: A pre-designed structure that needed to be customized.)
    • "I'll give you a blank document to start with."

3. (Of a look or expression) Empty, Vacant, or Unresponsive

  • Meaning: Describes a face or expression that shows a lack of feeling or understanding.
  • Examples:
    • "He gave me a blank stare." (Meaning: He stared at me without showing any emotion or comprehension.)
    • "Her face was blank with shock." (Meaning: Her face showed no reaction to the news.)
    • "She had a blank expression, as if she didn't understand."

4. (Often used with ‘blank slate’) A Fresh Start; Untainted

  • Meaning: Referring to something that is new, unshaped, or hasn’t been influenced yet. The phrase "blank slate" is often associated with this.
  • Examples:
    • "The children were a blank slate, eager to learn." (Meaning: The children were open to new experiences and knowledge).
    • “He approached the project with a blank slate mentality.” (Meaning: He started with no preconceived notions or limitations).

5. (Informal) Not Working; Broken

  • Meaning: (Especially of a machine or device) Not functioning.
  • Examples:
    • "The printer is blank – it won't print." (Meaning: The printer is broken.)
    • “The screen came up blank.” (Meaning: The screen was empty or not displaying anything.)

Key Considerations & Tips:

  • Context is key: The meaning of "blank" will always depend on the surrounding words and the situation.
  • "Blank stare" vs. "Blank expression": “Stare” implies a directed look. “Expression” refers to the overall look on the face.
  • "Fill in the blanks": This is a very common phrase – it means to complete a list of missing items.

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

  • In what context are you trying to use the word "blank"? (e.g., writing a story, doing homework, having a conversation?)
  • Are there any specific examples you're struggling with?

Synonyms for the word blank

Idioms of the word blank

a blank canvas/slate
a person or thing that has the potential to be developed or changed in many different ways
  • The building is a blank canvas for a clever investor to potentially make a lot of money.
  • Alice was a blank slate in the first film because she had memory loss and knew nothing about herself.

Practice with vocabulary blank

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. She stared at the _____ page, unsure of where to begin her essay.
  2. The teacher asked us to write our names in the _____ space provided.
  3. His mind went _____ when he was asked to solve the complex math problem.
  4. The artist left the canvas _____ , deciding to come back to it later.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which word describes an empty space on a form?
    A) Blank
    B) Empty
    C) Void
    D) Hollow

  2. Which of the following words mean "to erase"?
    A) Delete
    B) Blank
    C) Remove
    D) Clear

  3. Which word fits in the sentence: "She handed him a _____ sheet of paper"?
    A) Blank
    B) Empty
    C) Bare
    D) None of the above

  4. Which word means "lacking detail or features"?
    A) Plain
    B) Blank
    C) Simple
    D) Stark

  5. Which word fits in the sentence: "The room was _____ after the furniture was removed"?
    A) Blank
    B) Empty
    C) Hollow
    D) Void

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: The document had several empty spaces.
    Rewrite: The document had several _____ spaces.

  2. Original: He couldn’t remember anything, so his mind was empty.
    Rewrite: He couldn’t remember anything, so his mind went _____.

  3. Original: The artist decided not to paint the canvas and left it empty.
    Rewrite: The artist decided not to paint the canvas and left it _____.

Answer:
Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Blank
  2. Blank
  3. Blank
  4. Blank

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. A) Blank
  2. B) Blank
  3. A) Blank
  4. B) Blank
  5. B) Empty

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The document had several blank spaces.
  2. He couldn’t remember anything, so his mind went blank.
  3. The artist decided not to paint the canvas and left it blank.

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