More Consonant Clusters and examples
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 th cluster
In the consonant cluster 'th', the /th/ can be changed or 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.
The 'th' may become a
/t/ as in months (munts)
There are twelve months
in a year.
The 'th' may become a
/k/ as in strengths (strengks)
Athletes strengths are
sapped if they exercise excessively.
The 'th' may become a
/thv/ as in twelfths (twelfs)
The recipe calls for
seven-twelfths of a cup of butter.
The nt cluster
In the consonant cluster 'nt', if it is followed by a vowel sound, the
/t/ may be dropped. A flapped 'n' is used in
its place.
Listen to these examples. The first word is with proper enunciation, the
second with the reduced sounds.
Then listen to the words in sentences.
The center of town is
that way. (cen'ner)
The renter of the house
couldn't pay the rent. (ren'ner)
That shirt costs twenty
dollars. (twen'ny)
Consonant Clusters
Sometimes in certain consonant clusters (a string of two or more
consonants in a word) the sounds of one of the consonants may be reduced or
dropped. Below are some of these reductions.
