Accent Reduction Tips
Updated: Aug 25
People from all over the world and in various professions learn how to have an American English accent. They might be scientists, engineers and software developers and something that is of critical importance is knowing how to clearly and accurately pronounce numbers with an intelligible American accent.
Here are some quick tips for accurately pronouncing numbers with an American accent. You can also schedule a free consultation with one of our speech therapists to find out if accent modification would be beneficial for you.
When people are learning English as a second language, they count numbers with the same stress pattern as their native language. Or they might even use a flat, monotone voice. But in Standard American English, the type you hear when listening to the news on TV, numbers are pronounced with unequal stress or emphasis within the word. There are even differences depending on the situation. These subtleties are not easy to figure out on your own.
Improve your accent with speech therapy
So here are three quick and easy rules for you to learn how to pronounce numbers. Here is a quick guide of three rules on your path to better pronunciation of numbers:
RULE NUMBER 1
When you say numbers between 13 to 19 (the teen numbers), put more stress the first syllable.
Say: THIRteen, FORteen, FIFteen, SIXteen.
RULE NUMBER 2
When counting numbers that are multiples of 10 (like 20, 30, 40, 50, 60...) put more stress on the first part of the word.
Say: TWENty, THIRty, FORty, FIFty, SIXty.
Rules 1 and 2 are used when you are saying numbers on their own or in any context.
RULE NUMBER 3
When you are talking about a time, an amount, a currency, or a date stress the second part of a teen number.
Say: fourTEEN monitors, eightTEEN computers, the time is ten fifTEEN, it's the sixTEENth of June.
Learning these rules to emphasize the right syllable at the right time in numbers will save you time learning how to pronounce American English more like a native speaker.
Modifying or reducing your native accent and sounding more like a natural American speaker doesn't need to feel overwhelming. Our trained coaches are ready to help you navigate the the process is a systematic and functional way. We are trained to help you improve your American English pronunciation in the shortest period of time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it typically take to reduce a strong accent when speaking numbers?
Most adults notice meaningful improvement in 6 to 12 weeks of consistent practice, though results vary based on your native language and how often you practice. Numbers like thirteen versus thirty or fourteen versus forty are common trouble spots that respond well to focused drilling. Daily repetition with immediate feedback speeds up the process significantly.
Why do numbers feel harder to pronounce clearly than regular words?
Numbers are often spoken quickly and in high-stakes moments like phone calls, addresses, or financial conversations, which increases pressure and triggers accent patterns. Pairs such as fifteen and fifty or sixteen and sixty rely on subtle stress shifts that differ across languages. Slowing down and exaggerating syllable stress during practice trains your mouth to find the right pattern naturally.
Can I work on accent reduction for numbers on my own, or do I need a speech therapist?
Self-study with audio recordings and minimal-pair exercises can help, but a licensed speech-language pathologist gives you targeted feedback you simply cannot get from apps or videos alone. Better Speech offers licensed, insurance-ready care with no waitlists, so you can start working with a professional quickly and from the comfort of your home. A therapist identifies your specific error patterns and builds a plan around them.
What is the best daily exercise for practicing English number pronunciation?
Record yourself reading a list of confusing number pairs out loud, such as thirteen and thirty, fourteen and forty, and fifteen and fifty, then compare your recording to a native speaker model. Focus on where the stress falls: in thirteen the stress lands on TEEN, while in thirty it lands on THIR. Even ten minutes of this contrast drilling each day builds strong muscle memory over time.
Will reducing my accent affect my personality or cultural identity?
Accent reduction is about adding clarity and communication confidence, not erasing who you are or where you come from. You keep your voice, your rhythm, and your identity while simply making it easier for others to understand you in professional or everyday settings. Many people find that feeling understood actually lets more of their true personality shine through.
About the Author
Aycen Zambuto
I’m a seasoned educator in speech therapy with over six years of experience helping people navigate challenges in communication. Throughout this time, I’ve found joy in guiding individuals through a variety of therapeutic journeys, from toddlers with apraxia to seniors with dysphonia.
I’m passionate about demystifying this complex world of speech therapy and helping readers around the globe achieve clear and effective communication. When I’m not writing about speech, you’ll often find me reading, traveling or spending time with friends and family.
