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I've been an English student since school, however, I always feel like I'm mispronouncing the word "the".

Oxford online dictionary defines the pronunciation of 'the' as: /ðə/, /ðiː/, /ðɪ/. So, are the three correct in every situation?, if not, when should I use each of them?

Void
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ManuVS
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    Does this answer your question? [What is the correct pronunciation of "the"?](https://ell.stackexchange.com/questions/123348/what-is-the-correct-pronunciation-of-the) – Void Jan 08 '21 at 08:52

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This parallels the use of "a" and "an".

/ðə/ is used before a consonant.

/ðɪ/ is used before a vowel. (Some people might use /ðiː/, but I imagine this would used for emphasis.)

A bit more explanation here: BBC

Void
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James Random
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  • I pronounce it exactly the same way (*-uh*), regardless of it coming before a consonant or vowel. *Unless* I intend to emphasize something, then I pronounce it the other way (*-ee*), again regardless of if it coming before a consonant or vowel. – Jason Bassford Apr 28 '19 at 17:34
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It is simple, We pronounce ðɪ before a word which starts with a vowel sound like the (ðɪ) apple and in case of a consonant sound, we pronounce ðə, for an example the (ðə) car. And, ði: is pronounced to emphasise a situation.

Vinayak Kale
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