While elision means dropping a sound, assimilation means changing a sound, due to the influence of neighbouring sounds. Let’s take a look at some of the most common assimilations in American English, or how sounds change.
Assimilation of D
We saw how the /d/ is often dropped when a word ending in /nd/ is followed by a consonant sound. When /d/ occurs in other combinations, however, the sound can sometimes change to a completely different sound!
D becomes B
When followed by /p/, /b/ or /m/, the /d/ becomes /b/
- could be better → “coub be bedder” /kʊb bi ˈbedər/
- You could publish it. → “coub publi-shit” /kʊb ˈpʌblɪʃ ɪt/
- They could make it. → “coub may-kit” /kʊb meɪk ɪt/
D becomes G
When followed by /k/ or /g/, /d/ becomes /g/
- You should come. → “shoug come” /ʃʊg ˈkʌm/
- We could go. → “coug go” /kʊg ˈgoʊ/
D becomes /dʒ/ (The “dr” sound)
When d is followed by an r, the combinations blend to create a /dʒr/ sound where the /dʒ/ sounds like the j in Joe.
Practice Words
- drive 3. drip 5. hundred 7. drama 9. syndrome
- dream 4. address 6. drain 8. children 10. drink
D becomes /dʒ/ (The “du” and “d + y” sound)
When d is followed by a u or y, the combinations blend to create a /dʒ/ sound which sounds like the j in Joe
Practice Words
- durable 4. educate 7. Did you
- gradual 5. schedule 8. Had you
- graduate 6. individual 9. Should you
Assimilation of T
T becomes /tʃ/ (The “tu” and “t + y” sound)
When a t is followed by a u or a y, the combination often results in a /tʃ/ sound, like the like the ch in chick. This is the phenomenon we hear when “Got you” is pronounced as “Gotcha” (meaning “I understand.”)
Practice words
- actual 3. ritual 5. virtue 7. picture 9. Don’t you
- situation 4. venture 6. fortune 8. Aren’t you 10. Can’t you
T becomes /tʃ/ (The “tr” sound)
When an /r/ follows a /t/, the t sound changes and becomes a /tʃ/ or “ch” sound.
To create this sound correctly, say /tʃ/ as in chair, but tense up the tip of the tongue when it touches your upper gums, and focus on creating a stop of air. The The /tʃr/ “tr” sound is found in the following words:
Practice Words
- travel 3. contract 5. trick 7. try 9. turn
- True 4. introduce 6. interest 8. extreme 10. Traffic
Assimilation of N
N becomes M
When it’s followed by /p/, /b/ or /m/, the /n/ becomes /m/
- One percent. → “wom percent” /wʌm pərsent/
- Ten bills → “tem bills” /tem ˈbɪlz/
- Better than me. → “bedder tham-me” /bedər ðəm ˈmi/
N becomes NG (/n/ → /ŋ/)
When followed by /k/ or /g/, the /n/ becomes /ŋ/
- Ten cups. → “teng cups” /tɛŋ ˈkʌps/
- Then go! → “theng go” /ðɛn goʊ/
Need help?
Check out these other articles on how to connect your speech more naturally when speaking English:
Would you like a little more coaching on your pronunciation with a professional ESL teacher? To learn more about assimilation, English pronunciation and practice it in conversation, join SpeakUp, a dynamic program that engages you in authentic conversations on relevant topics and provides you with feedback from a professional experienced English teacher. The first week is free for you to try it out!
