Linking and weak forms
Why "turn it off" sounds like one word.
15 minutes · A free lesson from Accent and connected speech
In natural speech, words are not separated. Three things happen all the time:
- Linking: a consonant joins the next vowel. turn it off → "tur-ni-toff"; pick them up → "pick-the-mup".
- Weak forms: small grammar words lose their vowel. to → /tə/, of → /əv/, and → /ən/, can → /kən/. A cup of tea sounds like "a cup-ə-tea".
- Contractions: I will → I'll, should have → should've.
Natural speed
Sign in to play the recording. The transcript:
- Speaker: Could you pick them up at about eight?
- Speaker: A cup of tea and a piece of cake, please.
- Speaker: What do you want to do at the weekend?
Lesson quiz
Check what you have learned. Choose an answer to see whether it is right, and why.
Quick check: How does “turn it off” sound in natural speech?
- Three separate words, with pauses
- Like “turn off it”
- Like one word: “tur-ni-toff”
Show the answer
C: Like one word: “tur-ni-toff” — A consonant joins the next vowel.
Quick check: How is “of” usually said in “a cup of tea”?
- Strong, like “off”
- Weak, almost just “ə”
- Exactly as it is spelt
Show the answer
B: Weak, almost just “ə” — Small grammar words lose their vowel: a cup-ə-tea.
Quick check: Why does fast English feel hard even when you know every word?
- Linking and weak forms change how the words sound
- Native speakers use secret words
- Fast speech has no grammar
Show the answer
A: Linking and weak forms change how the words sound — Once you expect the weak forms, fast sentences start to make sense.
Marked as soon as you finish — free with an account.Practise now