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Linking Words Together (Part 2)

When you learn English by reading (as most people do) you tend to speak it word by word. But real English is connected together and pronounced sound by sound. Here are some examples of one kind of liaison (connection.)

Linking Consonant and Consonant

Words are connected when a word ends in a consonant sound and the next word starts with a consonant that is in a similar position.

For example:

	Lips	Behind Teeth	Throat
Unvoiced	P, F	T, Ch, S, Sh	K, H
Voiced	B, V	D, J, Z, Zh	G, Ng, R

For example, if a word ends with a letter from the Behind Teeth category and the next word starts with a letter from that same category, these words are going to naturally join together. This is the same for Lips and Throat.

Spelling	Pronunciation
I just didn't get the chance.	[I jussdidn't ge(t)the chance]
I've been late twice.	[äivbin la(t)twice]

This lesson has been provided by Ann Cook, author of American Accent Training. Visit her website at www.americanaccent.com.

Check Your Understanding

In the following sentences, which words are connected with similar sounds? 1. I love Ben a lot. 2. Everyone wants to kiss Sheri. ; ) 3. Had Jason ever come over? 4. We saw the Shaw Lake Hotel. Listen to the connections. 1. I love Ben a lot. 2. Everyone wants to kiss Sheri. ; ) 3. Had Jason ever come over? 4. We saw the Shaw Lake Hotel.

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