Linking words that both end and begin with a consonant is key to sounding natural and fluent when speaking. If you don’t link these sounds together, you will sound choppy, robotic, and may risk being misunderstood. For example, in the sentence, “What’s the start time of the big game?”, if not linked properly, it could sound like, “What’s the star time of the big aim?”, or, “What’s the start a time of the big a game?” Both would be very confusing for the listener. So then, what is the trick to saying this sentence properly?
Here are some tips and rules to help you link words together that both end and begin with consonants.
1. Linking between the same stop consonants
How do you say these two words together? start time
Listen to A, B, and C. Each is pronounced slightly differently. Which is the typical pronunciation of start time?
A. start time
B. start time
C. start time
Rule 1: When the final consonant sound in the first word is the same as the first sound in the second word, and the sound is a stop (i.e., p, t, k, b, d, g), the sound is held for extra time, then released. Compare “big game” with “big aim” and “start time” with “star time.”
So, for “start time” you do this by holding your tongue in the “t” position, and then releasing the “t” after the second “t” in “time” and remember to hold it for extra time.
Now practice listening to and repeating the following phrases. Remember to hold the sound and release it after the beginning of the second word.
good day at ten help pay big garden black car scrub brush
2. Linking between the same continuous consonants
How do you say these words together? same message
Listen to A, B, and C. Each is pronounced slightly differently. Which is the typical pronunciation of start time?
A. same message
B. same message
C. same message
Rule 2: To link the same continuous consonant (i.e., s, z, f, v, m, n, l, r, th), hold the linked sound for slightly more time than a single sound. Compare “say message” with “same message.”
Now practice listening to and repeating the following phrases (all with sound files). Remember to pronounce the linked sound slightly longer.
this city some money real life nine nailstough fight more room both things
Note: Within words, such as compound nouns and words with prefixes and suffixes, this same rule applies. Listen and repeat the following:
roommate lamp post cattail midday subbasement unnamed meanness misspell
Please note that most of the time, a double consonant within a word is not held (i.e., elongated) but pronounced as one short consonant, ex: dinner, happy, carry. Do you know why?
3. Linking from stop consonants to other consonant sounds
Listen to A, B, and C. Each is pronounced slightly differently. Which is the typical pronunciation of start time?
A. good friend
B. good friend
C. good friend
Rule 3: To link different stop sounds, or a stop sound to a continuous sound, do not release the first stop consonant, but hold it and then pronounce the next sound immediately.
Now practice listening to and repeating the following phrases (all with sound files). Remember to not release the stop, but hold it.
big deal stop crying get through old man job posting cab driver limited to
4. Listen to each recording and select the sentence you heard.
5. Now practice reading the pairs of above sentences aloud, making sure to hold the double sound long enough so as to make the sentences have different meanings. You can also record yourself reading the sentences and then compare your recordings with the originals.
6. Look at the sentences below. Identify places where you think consonant linking will occur. Then, listen to the sentences as you read the answer script below to hear the consonant linking. Were you correct?
You can also record yourself reading the sentences and then compare your recordings with the originals.
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1. I’m majoring in natural sciences at Baruch College.
2. I like to breathe the fresh air.
3. I bought both things; the antique clock and the antique glass.
4. Stop pushing!
5. I need some money to buy her a big gift.
6. Call Laura right away; here’s her phone number.
7. I feel like cleaning.
8. I miss Sue; I wish she were here.
9. We both thought that the job began next week, but we were wrong.
10. The path through the park could be longer.
11. Is that the same man who gave you a hundred dollars?
12. This site has many misspelled words.
13. I speak Korean not Japanese.
14. I’ll look for a good deal at the store.
15. I’ve visited Dallas before.
16. I’d do it if Frank called me.
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1. I’m majoring in natural sciences at Baruch College.
2. I like to breathe the fresh air.
3.I bought both things: the antique clock and the antique glass.
4. Stop pushing!
5. I need some money to buy her a big gift.
6. Call Laura right away; here’s her phone number.
7. I feel like cleaning.
8. I miss Sue; I wish she were here.
9. We both thought that the job began next week, but we were wrong.
10. The path through the park could be longer.
11. Is that the same man who gave you a hundred dollars?
12. This site has many misspelled words.
13. I speak Korean not Japanese.
14. I’ll look for a good deal at the store.
15. I’ve visited Dallas before.
16. I’d do it if Frank called me.