Why is nine pronounced niner?

The pronunciation of "nine" as "niner" is a phonetic simplification used primarily in military and aviation communication. It's part of a system called "phonetic alphabet" which aims to avoid confusion between numbers and letters that sound similar over radio transmissions.

Here's why it's helpful:

* Clarity: "Nine" and "nine" can sound very similar in a noisy environment. Saying "niner" makes it unambiguous.

* Speed: It's faster to say "niner" than "nine" and helps keep communication efficient.

* Consistency: Using a standard phonetic alphabet ensures everyone involved is using the same terminology.

It's important to note that "niner" is not the standard pronunciation of "nine" in everyday language. It's primarily used in specific professions and settings where clear and efficient communication is vital.