Pronunciation · lesson 21 of 24 · free

Linking sounds — English pronunciation practice

In smooth speech, words join. A consonant at the end of a word links to a vowel at the start of the next: turn off → tur-noff, an egg → a-negg. Between two vowel sounds a small w or y joins them: go out → go-wout, I am → I-yam. Linking makes speech flow; stopping between every word sounds robotic.

▶ Watch how it works

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How to say it

Join the words — “a final consonant joins the next vowel; between two vowels a little w or y slips in”

  1. Consonant + vowel: move the consonant to the next word — pick it up → pi-ki-tup.
  2. Vowel + vowel: after oo/oh/ow add a little w (go-wout); after ee/eye/ay add a little y (he-yis).
  3. Do not stop between the words — keep the air flowing.

Use it for: Speaking fluently, and understanding fast speech in songs, films and calls.

Worked example: Say “turn off” smoothly. Which shows how it sounds? → tur-noff

  1. “turn” ends with n; “off” starts with a vowel.
  2. The n joins the vowel: tur-noff.

Check: turn off → tur-noff ✓

▶ Watch it animated

✏️ Practice

Listen (🔊) or read, then tap your choice. Say each word aloud after you check. Stuck? Press “Show me how”.

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🏁 Lesson 21 test

20 questions. Check each answer, then go to the next one. Get 16 or more right to pass.

🏅 Sign in with Google to earn the ⛓️ Smooth Linker badge when you pass — and a certificate when you finish all 8 lessons of Part 3 · Stress and rhythm. You can still take the test without signing in.

🖨️ Linking Sounds Worksheet

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