Speak Method Pro

Sentences

Word Stress in Sentences: How to Flow from One Word to Another in a Phrase

Within a phrase, let the words flow together. Overall, try to move softly from one word to the next. The following tips will help do this.

Tip One: Link Consonants to Vowels

These words can flow together when one word ends in a consonant sound, and the next begins with a vowel sound. Sometimes this will cause a T to have a light D sound in phrases like but I, at a, and out of.

Look at the following sentences. Look for words that begin with vowel sounds and see if there is a consonant sound before each one.

1. In order to help you, I need more information.
2. All of us have been inspired by your work.
3. What an excellent day!
4. What are the disadvantages of this idea?
5. That was quite a story.
6. I read an article on that topic the other day.

Tip Two: Link Same or Similar Consonants

When one word ends in a consonant, and the next word begins with the same one, you can speak the sound one time. You can also connect most sound pairs (sounds made in the same way but stronger or softer): B/P, S/Z, T/D. Find ways to connect phrases here:

1. I met with him for the first time yesterday.
2. He was such a great speaker.
3. I need to review my notes on his lecture.
4. I need to speak with the manager.
5. I can stop by later if she is not available now.
6. It’s been great talking with you. We’ll have to get together sometime.

Tip Three: Link Vowel Sounds with a small Y or W sound.

If two vowel sounds are next to each other in words or phrases, we will let them flow together. When flowing from a Long E or Long I sound to another vowel sound, a Y sound creates a soft transition. If you say E as in eat and Y as yes, think about how these sounds are close. This is why the word year is often difficult for people to pronounce.

Practice: audio, trial, aquarium, reaction, to be on time

When flowing from a Long O or Long U sound to another vowel sound, a W creates a soft transition. Also, O and U are sounds made with the lips, like W.

Practice: going, usual, fluid, do anything

Also, use a final Y or W to connect to a vowel in the next word, as in the phrase buy it.

Look at these sentences carefully. Look for words or phrases in which you can connect vowel sounds.

1. I see you often, but I don’t think we’ve been introduced.
2. They plan to buy out the company.
3. Let me see if he’s available to meet with you.
4. We need to create both high-end and low-end products.
5. I’ll have to get to go-ahead from my boss.
6. We need to reinvent our priorities.

Practice

Find all the places where you can connect sounds below.

1. When you have time, stop by, and I’ll introduce you to the people on my team.
2. Do you have much of a commute?
3. How many people from your group are attending?
4. I’m not familiar with your company. Will you give me a little background?
5. There’s an excellent restaurant near here. I’ve been telling everyone about it.
6. What attracted you to this line of work? What attracted you to this field of study?
7. Good luck with the new project.
8. I’ll ask my assistant to call you with the information.
9. I enjoyed meeting you. Perhaps I’ll see you again sometime.
10. Take care now.

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