Pronunciation: Linking words

Introduction
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Lead-in
How funny do you think this joke is? Give it a rating from 1-5 in the chat.
1 = not funny, 5 = very funny

A)‘Knock knock’

B) Who’s there?

A) Norma Lee

B) Norma Lee who?

A) Norma Lee I don’t knock on people’s

doors, but I really wanted to see you!

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Let’s focus

Listen to the sentences. Which words link together?

1. ‘Knock knock’ jokes are not funny.

2. I’ve got a lot of bad jokes.
3. Humour is different in every country.

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Form

‘Knock knock’ jokes are not funny.

I’ve got a lot of bad jokes.
Humour is different in every country.

Rule: When a word ends in a consonant and the following word begins with
a vowel, we tend to link the two words together.

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Meaning and use
Linking words together in this way is known as ‘catenation.’

This is a great way for your words and sentences to flow together. If you don’t link your
words together, you might sound a little bit robotic and difficult to understand.

You can practice by making linking marks between words, reading the words
aloud and recording yourself.

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Practice

Do you know the meaning of these expressions? Can you match them to their meaning?

1. Break a leg slow down

2. Take it easy relax
3. Easy does it stop working on something
4. Let’s call it a day good luck

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Practice

Repeat the idiomatic expressions after me:

1. Break a leg slow down

2. Take it easy relax
3. Easy does it stop working on something
4. Let’s call it a day good luck

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Practice

Phrasal verbs often have the pronoun in the middle. This is a good way to
practice catenation.

Match the phrasal verb to the sentence. Write in chat. (e.g. try it on – 4)

Try it on 1) If you’re not watching TV, can you _____________.

Turn it off 2) It’s a big problem. I hope they _____________.

Work it out 3) Is it the right size? You should _____________.

Pick them up 4) There are toys everywhere. Please, _____________.

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Practice

Phrasal verbs often have the pronoun in the middle. This is a good way to
practice catenation.

Which sounds are linked by catenation?

1) If you’re not watching TV, can you turn it off?

2) It’s a big problem. I hope they work it out.

3) Is it the right size? You should try it on.

4) There are toys everywhere. Please, pick them up.

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Practice

Phrasal verbs often have the pronoun in the middle. This is a good way to
practice catenation.

Repeat after me.

1) If you’re not watching TV, can you turn it off?

2) It’s a big problem. I hope they work it out.

3) Is it the right size? You should try it on.

4) There are toys everywhere. Please, pick them up.

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Key point
Linking vowels after consonants is extremely common in everyday English. If
you don’t do this, your English can sound a bit robotic.

Pronunciation tip:
Reading texts out loud is an excellent way to practice.

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Pronunciation Checkout

Identify and write the words that link together (in the chat):

1. I’ve got a lot of work to do.

2. He’s going to work out at the gym.
3. They’ll see you in a minute.
4. You’re heading towards a supermarket.

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Pronunciation Checkout - Answers

Identify and write the words that link together (in the chat):
1. I’ve got a lot of work to do.
2. He’s going to work out at the gym.
3. They’ll see you in a minute.
4. You’re heading towards a supermarket.

Now, repeat the sentences after me.

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What’s next?
Thank you for attending this pronunciation presentation.
Now you’re ready for…

https://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/article/connected-speech-2

English Online | www.britishcouncil.org