American English feature
Linking in American English: how words run together
Americans don't pause between words. The end of one word runs into the start of the next, so a phrase sounds like one long word: “turn it off” is closer to “tur-ni-toff”.
Linking follows a few regular patterns. Learning them helps you speak smoothly, and just as much, understand fast speech.
an‿apple
linking
How to do it
- 1Say the phrase as one word, without stopping between the words.
- 2When a word ends in a consonant and the next starts with a vowel, move the consonant over.
- 3Between two vowels, slide through a light y or w.
- 4Keep the stress on the important words: linking changes the joins, not the rhythm.
When it happens
Tap an example to hear it said naturally.
Consonant + vowel
The final consonant starts the next word.
Vowel + vowel, with a y
After ee, ay, eye and oy sounds, a light y joins the words.
Vowel + vowel, with a w
After oo, oh and ow sounds, a light w joins the words.
The same sound twice
Two identical consonants become one longer sound.
T or D + you
t + y becomes the ch of chip, d + y becomes the j of jump.
Common mistakes
Pausing between every word
Word-by-word speech sounds robotic and is tiring to listen to. Link the words in each phrase.
A catch before vowel words
Starting “apple” with a little stop in the throat breaks the link. Let the previous consonant flow into it.
Saying both consonants
In big girl, don't say two g's: hold one, longer.
Try it
“Turn it off, pick it up, and don't you forget it.”
Record a sentence and get a score for every sound. Free, no account.
Questions
Is “di-ju” for “did you” correct?
Yes, in normal conversation. Careful speech keeps “did you” apart, but “di-ju” and “don-chu” are how Americans usually say them.
Why can't I understand native speakers when they talk fast?
Mostly because of linking and reductions: you're listening for separate words and hearing one stream. Practicing the patterns on this page trains your ear as much as your mouth.