Phrases with ARE
Want to sound more natural when speaking English? Mastering the reduction of "are" in phrases is a key step to sounding like a native speaker.
How to make it
- When "are" sits in the middle of a sentence, with no pause before or after it, it reduces to Schwa + R /ɚ/ — a quick "rr".
- Link that "rr" straight onto the word before it, whatever that word ends with: "Where are" → "Where'rr", "When are" → "When'rr".
- After "what", the T becomes a Flap T: "What are" → "Whad'rr".
- Curl or bunch your tongue for the R right away — there is no full vowel and no break between the words.
Watch out for
- Over-pronouncing the "a" in "are": Don't give "are" its full, strong vowel sound. It should be very quick and reduced.
- Pausing before "are": The goal is a smooth, connected flow. Avoid any break between the preceding word and "are."
- Not making the /r/ sound: Even though it's reduced, the "r" sound is still present and connects the words.
Words to try
- Who are
- How are
- Why are
- Where are
- When are
- What are
💡 Practicing these connections will make your speech flow more smoothly and naturally!