| English Online with Speak Method |
|
|
Speak the full short A sound in "that" when using "that" in a short phrase or emphasizing it. Reduce
the A to a short E sound, as in "thet" if it is part of a long phrase
or not emphasized. Notice that you can still use the T + Y rule when
"that" is reduced. Review
the rules for casual speech.
| In the conversation below, the phrases in which "that" would often be emphasized are underlined. If "that" is in bold, it would likely be reduced. Please remember that emphasis is situational--there is no perfect way to do it. Ed: I didn't know that you were planning to go to community college. Wes: I think that community colleges are good these days. Ed: I don't know. I think that you'd be better off at a university. Wes: Well, I've already paid my tuition for a full quarter, that's that. I'm definitely going to community college next year. If it doesn't work out, I can transfer after the first semester. Ed: O.K. If that's what you want. No matter what, you will transfer before you graduate, right? That way, you will have a university name on your resumé. Wes: Yeah. That's what I'm planning. I'll go to that local community college, and if I like it, I'll stay for three years and then transfer. |
|
More English Practice How to Speak Casual English Stress: 5 Steps Word Stress Introduction Syllable Stress |
|
More English Practice The 500 English Words What is a Vowel The American Accent English Course Online |