Theory is great, but you need practice. This guide gives you 50 common phrases organized by the type of sound change. Say each one out loud. Record yourself. Compare to native speakers.
For the rules behind these changes, see our 5 Rules of Connected Speech guide.
How to Use This Guide
- Read the phrase and the "sounds like" version
- Say it slowly with the connected pronunciation
- Speed up gradually until it flows naturally
- Practice in the example sentence
Section 1: Linking Phrases
When words connect smoothly without pauses.
Consonant to Vowel
Vowel to Vowel
Section 2: Weak Forms and Reductions
When function words shrink in natural speech.
"To" Reductions
"Of" Reductions
"Have" Reductions (Perfect Tenses)
Section 3: Palatalization (Consonant + You)
When T, D, S, or Z meets "you" and creates a new sound.
T + You = CH
D + You = J
S + You = SH
Section 4: Elision (Disappearing Sounds)
When sounds vanish in fast speech.
T/D Deletion
H-Dropping in Pronouns
Section 5: Full Sentence Practice
Put it all together with these common sentences.
Practice Tips
Daily Routine
- Pick 5 phrases each day
- Say each one 10 times
- Use them in real conversations
- Listen for them in movies/shows
Recording Exercise
- Record yourself saying a phrase
- Listen back
- Compare to a native speaker (YouTube, movies)
- Adjust and try again
Shadowing Practice
- Find a video with subtitles
- Play a sentence
- Pause and repeat immediately
- Match the rhythm and connected sounds
Keep Learning
- The 5 Rules of Connected Speech for the theory
- How the Next Word Changes Pronunciation to predict changes