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Weak form words

English function words have a strong form said alone and a weak form used in connected speech: and becomes n, to becomes tuh, can becomes kn. Native speakers use weak forms constantly, which is why fast speech is hard to follow. Learning them improves listening even more than speaking.

Accent

15 words · advanced · your accent and voice are remembered across the site. More options on the settings page.

The words

to
of
and
for
can
from
them
was
are
that
have
at
but
as
some

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Contractions
Don't, won't, they'd, shouldn't: contracted forms and how they actually sound at speed.
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Words that trip up confident intermediate learners: clothes, sixth, thorough, February.
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Simple, fun words for young learners: animals, colours and everyday objects, said clearly.
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Everyday small talk
Actually, probably, definitely, whatever: the filler and softener words of real conversation.
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Medical English for patients
Words you need at a doctor's appointment: symptoms, prescriptions and appointments.
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Business meeting words
Agenda, deadline, colleague, schedule: the vocabulary of every meeting, said correctly.
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Keep practising

Browse every practice list or the word index, hear two accents back to back on Compare, or test your ear with the listening quiz.

To read the rules behind these words, see the pronunciation guides — including silent letters, word stress and American vs British. Or hear each accent on its own page: American, British, Australian.