Word Analysis: belong
📚 Definition
1. To be the property of (indicating ownership)
This house is owned by my uncle.
2. To be in the right place (indicating proper position)
These files should be placed in the cabinet.
3. To be a member of (indicating affiliation)
Penguins are classified as birds.
4. To feel accepted (emotional connection)
After years here, I finally feel a sense of belonging.
💡 Professor's Tip: The core meaning of "belong" is about "connection." Pay special attention to the different usages of "belong to" and "belong in."
🔊 Pronunciation Guide
British Pronunciation:/bɪˈlɒŋ/ [bɪˈlɒŋ]
American Pronunciation:/bɪˈlɔːŋ/ [bɪˈlɔːŋ]
Key Pronunciation Points:
- Stress on the second syllable (lóng)
- "be" sounds short, similar to "bi" but lighter
- "long" part: British "lɒng" (like "long"), American "lɔːng" (like "lawn-g")
- Nasal "ng" sound at the end
Phonetic Reference:
British: bi-LONG (stress "LONG")
American: bi-LAWN (stress "LAWN")
💡 Common Pronunciation Mistakes:
- Mistake 1: Pronouncing as "bee-long" (correct: [bɪˈlɒŋ])
- Mistake 2: Wrong stress on first syllable (correct on second syllable)
- Mistake 3: Omitting the final nasal "ng" sound
🎯 Usage Summary
1. belong to + person/organization → indicating ownership
This car is owned by the company.
2. belong in/on/under + location → indicating proper placement
This painting should hang on this wall.
3. belong with + person/thing → indicating proper association
This puppy should be with its mother.
Grammar Notes:
- Third person singular: belongs (pronounced [bɪˈlɒŋz])
- Present participle: belonging
- Past tense: belonged (pronounced [bɪˈlɒŋd])
📝 Practice Exercises
1. Read and translate:
2. Listen and repeat:
British: [bɪˈlɒŋ] → The keys belong here.
American: [bɪˈlɔːŋ] → Where do these papers belong?
3. Error correction: Identify the pronunciation mistake
Student's pronunciation: [ˈbiːlɒŋ] (mistakes: stress position and first syllable sound)
Correct: [bɪˈlɒŋ]