Consonant Clusters

Consonant Clusters

Sometimes in certain consonant clusters (a string of two or more consonants in a word) the sounds may be reduced or dropped. Below are some of these reductions.

The sts cluster

In the consonant cluster 'sts', the /t/ can be dropped.

Listen to these examples. The first word is with proper enunciation, the second with

the reduced sounds. Then listen to the words in sentences.

                                                                                 

costs (cos:s)               A Porsche costs way too much for me.

masts (mas:s)             The masts on the sailing ship were over forty feet tall.

tests (tes:s)                Most students are not that fond of tests.

                                                                                     

The sks cluster

In the consonant cluster 'sks' the /k/ may be dropped.

Listen to these examples. The first word is with proper enunciation, the second with

the reduced sounds. Then listen to the words in sentences.

                                                                                 

masks (mas:s)            At a costume party, masks are mandatory.

asks (as:s)                   A certain relative of  mine often asks me for money.

desks (des:s)              The desks used in classrooms are usually uncomfortable.