This week, let’s shine the spotlight on a small but mighty consonant: the letter T. In British English, the way we pronounce "T" is a hallmark of our accent, and understanding its nuances can significantly enhance your speech.
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Three Key "T" Sounds in British English:
The True "T":​ This is the crisp, clear "T" you hear in words like "tea" or "water." The tip of your tongue lightly taps the ridge behind your teeth, creating a distinct sound. It’s particularly prominent in Received Pronunciation (RP), the “Queen’s English.”
Example Sentence:"Take a cup of tea to the terrace."
The Glottal "T":​ A feature often heard in certain British accents, such as Cockney or Estuary English, where the "T" is replaced by a glottal stop. For example, "bottle" might sound more like "bo’le."
Example Sentence:"I’ve got a bottle of water for you."
The Silent "T":​ In some British English words, the "T" is softened or even dropped entirely in rapid speech. For instance, "often" may be pronounced "offen."
Example Sentence:"It’s often tricky to master subtle sounds."
Psst! A Huge Promotion Is Coming!
Next week, I’ll be running a HUGE promotion on my online British Pronunciation Course for Black Friday—a perfect opportunity to refine your accent and sound more confident in English. Stay tuned for the announcement in a few days!
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What I'm reading
I received the proof copy of the first physical instalment of my Victorian Writers book. Stay tuned for more information!