What are linking sounds?
When speaking English naturally, words often connect smoothly instead of being pronounced separately. This connection between words is called linking sounds. It helps speech sound more fluent and natural.
In connected speech, the final sound of one word often links to the beginning sound of the next word. This makes spoken English flow more easily and avoids unnatural pauses.
Common types of linking sounds
There are three common types of linking sounds in English:
1. Linking /r/
When a word ends in r or re and the next word begins with a vowel sound, the r is pronounced to connect the words.
Example:
"far away" → /fɑːr əˈweɪ/ (the "r" links to "away")
"here it is" → /hɪər ɪt ɪz/ (the "r" links to "it")
2. Intrusive sounds (/r/, /w/, /j/)
Sometimes, English speakers add an extra linking sound between words to make speech smoother. This is common when one word ends in a vowel sound, and the next word begins with a vowel sound.
Intrusive /r/: "I saw it" → /aɪ sɔːr ɪt/ (adding "r" between "saw" and "it")
Intrusive /w/: "Go on" → /ɡəʊ wɒn/ (adding "w" between "go" and "on")
Intrusive /j/: "She is" → /ʃi jɪz/ (adding "y" between "she" and "is")
3. Linking consonants and vowels
When a word ends in a consonant sound and the next word starts with a vowel sound, the final consonant sound is linked to the next word.
Example:
"pick it up" → /pɪk ɪt ʌp/ ("k" links to "it")
"turn off" → /tɜːn ɒf/ ("n" links to "off")
Practical exercises
Here are some sentences to practice linking sounds. Read them aloud, focusing on smooth connections between words.
"Where is he?" → /weər ɪz hi/
"Do it again." → /duː wɪt əˈɡen/
"She asked me." → /ʃiː jæst mi/
"Go over there." → /ɡəʊ wəʊvər ðeər/
"Turn it on." → /tɜːn ɪt ɒn/
Conclusion
Linking sounds are essential for natural English pronunciation. They help create smooth, fluent speech and make spoken English easier to understand. Practicing these connections will improve your pronunciation and listening skills.
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