How Do You Pronounce Schedule?

How is the "ch" pronounced in schedule?

Is it a "k" sound (as in king)?  Or a "sh" sound (as in she)?

That's [k] versus [ʃ] for fans of the IPA.

One of my clients from India, who currently lives in the U.S.  recently asked me that question. She uses the "sh" sound and was concerned that she was mispronouncing the word.

The answer both surprised her and made her feel a whole lot better.

It doesn't matter. Seriously. No biggie.

Here's why:

When pronouncing schedule, Americans use the "k" sound. Folks from Great Britain often use a "sh" sound -- though not all.

So if you use one pronunciation or the other, it's no problem. People will understand you. After all, we don't typically shout out a single word. There is almost always context that will provide your listeners with the information they need to understand what you are saying.

That's why I tell my clients, when it comes to accents, context is their BFF. 

However, there is more to this story.

It *is* critical to stress the correct syllable. Regardless of how you pronounce the "ch", the first syllable must be stressed: SCHEdule.

If you stress the second syllable, scheDULE, people will have a difficult time understanding you.  

So, skedule or shedule for schedule? Use the pronunciation that comes naturally to you.  Just put the stress on the first syllable, and you will pronounce schedule perfectly every time.