Elision (Connected Speech)
Elision is the dropping of a sound (a consonant or vowel) in fast, natural speech to make it smoother and easier to say.
| Full form | Elided form | Note |
|---|---|---|
| next week | nex' week | /t/ dropped before a consonant |
| handbag | han'bag | /d/ dropped before /b/ |
| friendship | frien'ship | /d/ dropped |
| comfortable | comf'table | unstressed vowel dropped |
Common cases:
/t/ or /d/ dropped between consonants: last night → las' night.
/t/ or /d/ in -ed endings before a consonant: finished projects.
Unstressed vowels dropped: camera → cam'ra.
/h/ dropped in unstressed words: tell him → tell 'im.
Tip: Elision makes you sound natural and fluent. Listen to native speakers and notice the sounds they leave out.
Common mistake: Over-pronouncing every letter, which sounds slow and unnatural. In connected speech, some sounds are naturally dropped.
✏️ Test Yourself
1. next week
2. handbag
3. camera
4. tell him
📒 Words to learn
“People are striking against metamorphosis of residency.”
“They are participating monotonously in function.”
“These obstacles can’t stop us to conquer our destination.”
“I’m coming from a pervasive journey.”
“Parley and meetings are necessary before taking any kind of decision.”