Mastering the American Accent » Words with Dropped Syllables

Words with Dropped Syllables

When pronouncing the following list of words, do not pronounce all of the syllables. Instead of saying “choc-o-late,” with three syllables, say “choc-late” with only two syllables. Instead of “brocc-o-li,” say “brocc-li.” In both of those words one of the middle vowels disappears. Below is a list of the most common words that have a dropped syllable.

  1. actually
  2. aspirin
  3. average
  4. basically
  5. beverage
  6. different
  7. extraordinary
  8. evening
  9. every
  10. family
  11. generally
  12. broccoli
  13. business
  14. camera
  15. catholic
  16. chocolate
  17. favorite
  18. interest
  19. interesting
  20. laboratory
  21. liberal
  22. opera
  23. comfortable
  24. coverage
  25. desperate
  26. diamond
  27. diaper
  28. practically
  29. preference
  30. several
  31. temperature
  32. theory

Practice Dialogues

  1. a. What’s your favorite vegetable?
    b. I like broccoli.
  2. a. Is he Catholic?
    b. Yes, he comes from a Catholic family.
  3. a. Do you like my diamond ring?
    b. It’s really extraordinary.
  4. a. Would you like some chocolate?
    b. Yes, I’ll take several pieces.
  5. a. What are you doing this evening?
    b. I’m going to the opera.
  6. a. Is the temperature okay for you?
    b. Yes, it’s quite comfortable here.
  7. a. Do you need some aspirin?
    b. Yes, desperately.
  8. a. Do you agree with that theory?
    b. I think it’s an interesting theory. 
  9. a. Do you like that restaurant?
    b. Yes, they have many different beverages. 
  10. a. What is your preference?
    b. Actually, I don’t have a preference. I’m indifferent. 

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