Question

Consumers are more likely to recognize brand names that:

A) end with a hard consonant.
B) begin with a hard consonant.
C) are melodic.
D) sound like their name.

Answer 1

Consumers are most likely to recognize brand names that begin with a hard consonant, as it makes the brand name stand out and be more memorable.

Step-by-step explanation:

Consumers are more likely to recognize brand names that begin with a hard consonant. A hard consonant gives the brand name a more pronounced and memorable start, making it easier to remember and recognize. An example of a brand with a hard consonant start is Kellogg's, with the hard [k] sound.

Additionally, brand names that are melodic or sound like the person's own name can also be memorable due to their pleasant sound or personal connection, but starting with a hard consonant is more generally effective for brand recognition.

Understanding the distinction between hard and soft consonants is important. A hard c is realized as the sound [k] and does not have an e, i, or y following it, while a soft c has the sound [s] and is followed by one of these three letters. Other hard consonants include [p], [b], and [t], which can be identified in words such as fatter, opening, and started.