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.)

Consonant to Vowel Connections

Words are connected when a word ends in a consonant sound (b, c, d, f, etc.) and the next word starts with a vowel sound (a, e, i, o, u), including the semivowels W, Y and R.

Listen to the following. I will read it very slowly at first so you can hear the connection. Then I will read it at normal speed.

Spelling Pronunciation My name is Ann. [my nay mi zæn] American accent [amer'k' næksent]

You also use liaisons (connections) in spelling and numbers.

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

Check Your Understanding

Connect the words that end in a consonant sound with the words that begin with a vowel sound. (Speaking out loud is best.) Then listen to the connections below.

1. Line up.

2. 40502

3. My dog is a poodle.

4. Once upon a time...

5. Take a book over there.

Listen to the liaisons.

1. Line up.

2. 40502 (four oh five oh two)

3. My dog is a lab.

4. Once upon a time...

5. Take a book over there.