SpeakUp

Grammar fix

strong accent

noticeable accent

A way of speaking in which someone's accent is very clear and easy to notice, often making it obvious where they are from.

collocationB1common

Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • Even after living here for years, Maria still has a strong accent when she speaks English.communication
  • In my country, people from different regions often have a strong accent, which can sometimes make communication challenging, especially for visitors.IELTS speaking

Fix the pattern

Pattern: have a strong accent; speak with a strong accent

WrongHe speaks with a big accent.

RightHe speaks with a strong accent.

Accents are 'strong' or 'thick', not 'big'.

Patternhave a strong accent; speak with a strong accent

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff He speaks with a highly pronounced regional accent.

Natural He's got a strong accent.

Natural; 'highly pronounced regional accent' is textbook.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

  • a strong accent
    thickwith aregionalpick up

Don't confuse it

A 'slight accent' means the accent is only a little noticeable, while a 'strong accent' is much more obvious.

Try it in Daily Speak →