The difference between weak and strong forms of words

What are weak and strong forms?

In English, many common words have two pronunciations: a weak form and a strong form. The weak form is used in normal, fast speech, while the strong form is used when the word is stressed or spoken in isolation.

Weak forms are often shorter, softer, and use reduced vowels (like schwa /ə/). Strong forms are clearer, louder, and use full vowel sounds.

Why do weak forms matter?

Using weak forms makes your speech sound more natural and fluent. Native speakers often use them, especially in everyday conversation. If you pronounce every word in its strong form, your speech may sound unnatural or overly formal.

Examples of weak and strong forms

Here are some common words that have weak and strong forms:

Word	Strong Form	Weak Form
and	/ænd/	/ənd/, /n/
to	/tuː/	/tə/
for	/fɔːr/	/fər/
of	/ɒv/	/əv/
have	/hæv/	/həv/, /əv/
can	/kæn/	/kən/
was	/wɒz/	/wəz/
he	/hiː/	/hɪ/, /i/
she	/ʃiː/	/ʃi/
them	/ðem/	/ðəm/

How to practice weak and strong forms

1. Listen to native speakers – Pay attention to how words are reduced in sentences.

2. Practice sentences aloud – Read sentences naturally, focusing on weak forms.

3. Use shadowing – Repeat after native speakers in podcasts or videos.

4. Record yourself – Compare your pronunciation with native examples.

Practical examples

Read these sentences and notice the weak forms:

1. I want to go. (Weak form: /tə/)

2. Give it to me. (Weak form: /tə/)

3. I saw her and him. (Weak form: /ənd/ or /n/*)

4. She can swim. (Weak form: /kən/)

5. We must go for a walk. (Weak form: /fər/)

Now, try reading them aloud while focusing on weak forms!

Final tip

Weak forms help make your speech more natural and connected. Try to use them in daily conversations and listen for them when speaking with native English speakers!