Introduction

1. Deleting /t/ Between Consonants

There are two common places that a final /t/ is deleted, or dropped, from the pronunciation of a word.

Note that when the /t/ is dropped, the sound before the /t/ must link smoothly into the following word.

When a word ending in consonant +/t/ links into a word beginning with a consonant, the final /t/ of the first word is often deleted.

Practice linking the dropped /t/ (between consonants):

1. first‿day:

Sam's first‿day of school is tomorrow.

I’m headed to my first‿day of work.

2. left‿my:

I left‿my keys in the restaurant.

I left‿my phone at home.

3. best‿friends:

The twins are best‿friends.

How many best‿friends do you have?

4. interest‿rates:

Interest‿rates have remained low.

What is an Interest‿rates on a Loan or Savings Account?

5. rest‿during:

Try to get some rest‿during the flight.

Sleep and rest during the day.

2. Deleting /t/ Between /nt/ and a Vowel Sound

When a word ending in /nt/ links into a word beginning with a vowel sound, the final /t/ is often deleted.

Practice linking the dropped /t/ (between /nt/ and vowel sound):

1. percent‿of:

A percent‿of the profits are given to charity.

80 percent‿of sales are produced by approximately 20 percent‿of salespeople.

2. president‿announced:

Our company president‿announced her retirement.

US president‿announced economic boost

3. patient‿asked:

The patient‿asked for another pillow.

The patient‿asked questions and shared his daily challenges.

4. apartment‿in:

She moved into an apartment‿in the city.

Apartment‿in Royal Palm Residence offers free WiFi

5. accident‿occurred:

The accident‿occurred early in the morning.

The accident‿occurred yesterday.