If you “ask” me, you’re axing the queen’s English.
An American volunteer pilot and I were chatting some time back about the differences in pronunciations and accents in different regions of the earth. And we came to the conclusion that, most of the time, there is no definite “right” or “wrong” accent, or pronunciations since variations are commonplace.
But he did admit that Guyanese push it a bit too far. He mentioned in particular, with disdain in his facial expression, that he “can’t stand it” when Guyanese say “axe” instead of “ask,” and when they mispronounce the word “aunt” (the u is silent).
Say “ask.” Here’s the key: say “as,” then add the “k” sound. Here we go: ask. Not axe!
Remember that the “u” in “aunt” is silent. Say “ant” for “aunt.”
Related: Words with silent letters.
