PRONOUNCE WORD ENDINGS - Pay attention to ends of words as you pronounce sentences, especially, the “s” , “d” and “-ed “. -
The “s” will indicate whether you are discussing the plural form (hat – hats) or the present tense of an activity (“He cuts the bread now” – “He cut the bread
yesterday”.) -
The “d” or “ed” indicates the past tense of an activity ( “John wants the money today” – “John wanted the money, yesterday”, “It rained yesterday” – It rains
today.) Note: Some words ending in “d” are actually pronounced as a “t” (“walked” pronounced “t”).
Some word endings ending in the letter “s” are
actually pronounced as “z” (as, Knows). CAN vs. CAN’T It is very easy to misunderstand these words during conversation! To ensure that you are understood, make an effort to : -
Pronounce “can “ as “KEN” + a strong “n” ending. -
Pronounce “can’t” as “ca-a-a-n’t” with a drawn out, longer vowel + “t” STRESS RULE FOR NUMBERS This rule is especially important for phone numbers, addresses, etc. . -
For numbers 13 through 19 emphasize the stress on the 2nd syllable (thirTEEN, fourTEEN, fifTEEN…) -
For the the ten numbers like 20, 30, 40…90 emphasize stress on the 1st syllable (THIRty, FOURty,FIFty,…NINEty) |