Daily use of connected speech

What is connected speech?

Connected speech refers to the natural flow of spoken language, where words and sounds blend, change, or disappear to facilitate smoother communication. For example, "going to" becomes "gonna" in casual speech: "I'm gonna leave" (I am going to leave). Here, "gonna" merges "going" and "to," dropping the "i" sound and transforming the "to" to "a" sound. Similarly, "did you eat?" often becomes "jya eat?" through assimilation, where "did you" blends into "jya". These transformations occur due to phonetic processes like elision (omitting sounds), assimilation (adjusting sounds), and linking (connecting words).

Connected speech patterns vary based on language rules, dialects, and speaking tempo. They are categorized by their phonetic processes: elision (e.g., "library" -> "libry"), assimilation (e.g., "handbag" -> "hambag"), linking (e.g., "far away" -> "farraway"), and reduction (e.g., "because" -> "'cause"). Some languages prioritize clarity over fluidity, while others, like English, favor rapid transitions. Regional accents further influence these patterns; for instance, British English often links vowels between words ("law and order" -> "lawranorder"), whereas American English may emphasize glottal stops.

Some most common uses of connected speech

Below are some most frequent used connected speech.

"wanna" (want to)

"gimme" (give me)

"gonna" (going to)

"kinda" (kind of)

"shoulda" (should have)

"lemme" (let me)

"dunno" (don't know)

"hafta" (have to)

"couldja" (could you)

"whaddya" (what do you)

Formal connected speech often retains clarity while using connected speech like "drinkit" (drink it) or "theris" (there is). Informal speech leans heavily on connected speech: "anapple" (an apple) in North American English or "innit" (isn't it) in British slang.

When to use connected speech

Connected speech is appropriate in casual conversations like ("need to go" as "needago") or ("I'mma meecha" for "I am going to leave"), informal writing like ("got you" as "gotcha"). In formal settings, moderated connected speech like "can not" (cannot) or "woulja" (would you) are acceptable, but excessive reductions (e.g., "gimme the report") sound unprofessional.

Misusing connected speech risks misunderstandings. Saying "I dunno" in a job interview may imply indecisiveness, whereas "I don't know" sounds more polished. Overusing slang like "ain't" in academic writing undermines credibility. Avoid connected speech in technical manuals, legal documents, or cross-cultural communication where clarity is paramount. For example, telling a non-native speaker "We're gonna hafta reschedule" might confuse them compared to "We will have to reschedule."

How to evaluate my knowledge on connected speech

Connected speech can differ in complexity and usage based on a person's English level. Beginner English students may be introduced to simpler ones, such as "srite" (that is right), while intermediate and advanced learners may be exposed to more complex ones, like "Tweren't for my mother, I would have never gone." (If it were not for my mother). Native speakers often have an intuitive understanding of connected speech and can use most common ones effortlessly, while others can have a hard time to guess the meaning or use them in their speech when come accross uncommon and more complex connected speech. Non-native speakers may need more practice and study to fully master these expressions.

One simple way to check your current knowledge level of connected speech is by testing your skills. Try out to guess what are the expressions on the sentences gaps below:

1. She's _____ visit Paris next week. (going to)

2. Do you _____ join us for dinner? (want to)

3. Can you _____ a hand with this box? (give me)

4. He _____ called earlier. (should have)

5. _____ pass the salt, please? (Could you)

6. I _____ where my keys are. (do not know)

7. _____ think about the new policy? (What do you)

8. You _____ finish this by tomorrow. (have to)

9. _____ mind closing the window? (Would you)

Sentences from 1 to 3 uses beginner level connected speech. Their answers are: 1. gonna; 2. wanna; 3. gimme. Sentences 4 to 6 are intermediate level, their answers are: 4. shoulda; 5. Couldja; 6. dunno. Sentence 7 to 9 are advanced level, their answers are: 7. Whaddya; 8. hafta; 9. Wouldja. Check how much you guessed right on each level and you will have a clue on how much you know and which is your current knowledge level on connected speech. Of course this is a very simple test and it is very high biased. You should take a longer test, using a wide range of words formation to have a more accurate score.

Ways to improve my knowledge on connected speech

There are many ways to improve your knowledge on connected speech. You could practice them by rewriting sentences like "trying to" as "tryna". You could be using flashcards for pairs like "some of/sumuv". Practice shadowing exercises: repeat dialogues aloud, mimicking rhythm and reductions. Transcribe casual speech to identify common patterns (e.g., "What's up?" -> "Wassup?"). Engage in role-play scenarios - simulate informal chats or formal meetings - to adapt your usage contextually. Search for slang and dialects to learn regional variations. Regularly test yourself with fill-in-the-blank exercises or flashcards to reinforce retention. Over time, conscious listening and deliberate practice will naturalize these patterns in your speech.

You could learn them by listening to podcasts or watching videos on youtube. Focusing situations and audience will shrink the amount of common used connected speech you have to learn. Don't be afraid on not kowing all of things you hear or read. Don't be afraid to ask or search online the meaning of new expressions. Ask natives: Clarify new words you hear in conversations. Stay curious: Note down unfamiliar words in a "expression diary."

Learninn is a great way to get in touch with connected speech. Articles and videos hosted on our platform include most common connected speech, if not all existent ones. Every content consumed on our platform is recorded and used in the future for your learning.