What is construction? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of construction

constructionnoun

/kənˈstrʌkʃn/
Definition & pronunciation of construction

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "construction." It can be tricky for some learners! Here's a breakdown:

1. Syllable Breakdown:

  • con - like the word "cone"
  • struc - like "struck" (the past tense of "strike")
  • tion - like "shun" (as in, "fun")

2. Phonetic Breakdown (using sounds):

  • con: /kən/ (The "n" is nasal – meaning it resonates in your nose)
  • struc: /ˈstrʌk/ (The "u" is pronounced like "uh" as in "but")
  • tion: /ʃən/ (The "sh" sound is like in "ship")

3. Putting it together:

The whole word is pronounced roughly as: KON-strʌk-shən

Here's a helpful way to hear it:

Tips for getting it right:

  • The "str" sound: Focus on getting the “str” sound right. It's similar to “struck,” not a hard “s” sound.
  • Nasal "n": Make sure the "n" in "con" is a nasal sound (you can feel it resonate in your nose).
  • Smooth transition: Try to connect the syllables smoothly. Don't pronounce each part as a separate word.

Would you like me to:

  • Break down any specific part of the pronunciation?
  • Give you some example sentences to practice with?

Usage and examples with the word construction in English

Let's break down how to use the word "construction" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with several different meanings. Here's a breakdown, categorized for clarity:

1. As a Noun (The most common usage):

  • Physical Building & Infrastructure: This is the most familiar meaning. It refers to the process of building or creating something, and the result itself.

    • Example: "The construction of the new bridge is expected to be completed next year." (The process of building)
    • Example: “The impressive construction of the skyscraper is a testament to modern engineering.” (The building itself)
    • Examples of things that relate to construction:
      • Construction site
      • Construction worker
      • Construction materials (concrete, steel, wood, etc.)
      • Construction equipment (bulldozers, cranes, etc.)

  • Development & Progress: “Construction” can refer to the development or growth of something, often in a non-physical sense.

    • Example: “The company is undergoing significant construction in terms of its market share.” (Growth and development)
    • Example: “There's a lot of construction happening in the economy right now.” (Economic development)
    • Example: "The construction of her career was built on a strong foundation of hard work." (Development of a career)

2. As a Verb:

  • To Build or Erect: This is the active form of the word.

    • Example: "The builders are constructing a new community center.”
    • Example: "They began construction on the hotel last month."

  • To Develop or Form (Less Common): It can also describe the process of developing or forming something conceptually.

    • Example: “The negotiators were constructing a compromise agreement.” (Developing an agreement)

3. Figurative/Abstract Usage:

  • Process of Forming or Developing (Ideas, Plans): Sometimes “construction” is used metaphorically to describe the process of building thoughts, arguments, or plans.
    • Example: "The lawyer was meticulously constructing his case before the trial." (Building the case through evidence and reasoning)
    • Example: "Let's construct a detailed plan for how to achieve our goals." (Developing a plan)

Here’s a table summarizing the different ways to use “construction”:

Part of Speech Meaning Example
Noun The act of building "The construction site was busy."
Noun The building itself “The construction is stunning.”
Noun Development/Growth “Expansion is a key part of the construction.”
Verb To build or erect "They are constructing a new road."
Verb To develop or form (conceptually) "He was constructing an argument.”

Tips for Using "Construction" Correctly:

  • Consider the context: Pay close attention to the surrounding words to determine the intended meaning.
  • Synonyms: If you’re unsure, consider using synonyms like “building,” “development,” “creation,” or “erection.”

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

  • What context are you trying to use "construction" in? (e.g., a school essay, a conversation with a friend, a professional report?)
  • Are you trying to use it as a noun or a verb?

Synonyms for the word construction

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