Pronunciation
Weak words and rhythm
Small grammar words like to, and and of are usually weak. They become short and quiet, and their vowel often changes to the sound /ə/.
English is stress-timed
In English, the stressed syllables come at a regular beat, like a drum. The weak words between them are said quickly to fit the beat.
Clap on each bold word. All three sentences take about the same time, because they all have 3 stressed words:
Cats eat fish.
The cats will eat the fish.
The cats will have eaten all of the fish.
The schwa sound /ə/
The most common sound in English is /ə/, called schwa. It is a short, soft "uh" sound. Almost every weak word uses it.
| Word | Strong form | Weak form | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| to | /tuː/ | /tə/ | I want to go. |
| and | /ænd/ | /ən/ | rice and chicken |
| for | /fɔːr/ | /fər/ | It's for you. |
| of | /ʌv/ | /əv/ | a cup of tea |
| can | /kæn/ | /kən/ | I can swim. |
| you | /juː/ | /jə/ | See you later. |
When to use the strong form
Use the strong form when the word is at the end of a sentence or when you want to stress it: What are you looking at? /æt/, Yes, I can. /kæn/
Practice words
Click 🔊 and listen to how short the small word is.
To → /tə/
Usually weak before a verb. It sounds like "tuh".
I want to learn English.
And → /ən/
Usually weak. The /d/ sound often disappears.
I'd like rice and chicken, please.
For → /fər/
Usually weak. It sounds like "fer".
This coffee is for you.
Of → /əv/
Usually weak. In fast speech it can sound like just "uh".
Can I have a cup of tea?
Can → /kən/
Weak in normal sentences. Strong at the end: Yes, I can.
I can write code in Python.
You → /jə/
Often weak in friendly, fast speech.
Thanks! See you tomorrow.