Producing /ɾ/

How to produce /ɾ/

In General American, a /t/ or /d/ between two vowels (when the first is stressed) becomes a quick tap against the alveolar ridge — like a very fast /d/. Say BUDder and BUTter — they sound nearly identical. That's the flap.

Practice the sound in isolation

Say 'water' slowly. Hold the target sound. Record yourself — does it match your mental model of the native version?

A few varied words

• Initial: water, city, better
• Medial: writer, rider, pretty
• Final: get it, lot of, shut up