Weak Forms

Mastering the American Accent » Weak Forms

Weak Forms

When a word is reduced we use the “weak form” of the word. The weak form is said more quickly and more softly. The vowel becomes the schwa sound, /ɘ/. For example, the preposition for sounds like “fur” or /fɘr/, and at sounds like /ɘt/. Let’s now practice using the weak forms of some commonly unstressed words.

Practice Sentences

to becomes /tɘ/
1. I’d like to go.
2. I need to talk to you.
3. I’d like to go to the park.

and becomes /n/
1. bacon ‘n’ eggs
2. black ‘n’ white
3. in ‘n’ out
4. rock ‘n’ roll

for becomes /fɘr/
1. Let’s go for a walk.
2. Wait for John.
3. This is for Bill.
4. I’m looking for my book.

can becomes /kɘn/
1. I can do it.
2. You can call me.
3. Can can swim?
4. When can you come over?

as becomes /ɘz/
1. It’s as big as a house.
2. I’m as hungry as a wolf.
3. I’ll call you as soon as I can.
4. Keep it as long as you need it.

or becomes /ɘr/
1. Is it this one or that one?
2. I’ll do it today or tomorrow.
3. I saw it five or six times.
4. I’m leaving on Monday or Tuesday.

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