American English Liaison Rules

We have four rules that are usually followed whenever we practice liaisons.

1. Consonant + Vowel 
We connect words that end with a consonant sound to the next word if it begins with a vowel sound.
note: Please be aware that spelling doesn't matter. It is the sound which is important.

Ex: 

My husband is awesome.
There are five birds on the branch.
Build a new tree house.

2. Consonant + Consonant
When a word ends in a consonant sound and is followed by a word that begins with a consonant sound that is pronounced in the same position, we connect them. Sounds confusing doesn't it? It's actually simple.
Consonants are divided into two kinds. These are your voiced and unvoiced sounds. Voiced sounds are sounds that require you to use your voice for them to be pronounced properly. On the other hand, unvoiced consonants are made by releasing air, but no voice.
These two types of consonants can be divided further into three groups based on your lip and tongue position when pronouncing them.

  Back of the Teeth                         

 Unvoiced      Voiced             

    t                    d                                          

    tʃ                dʒ                                 

   -                  l                                  

    -                    n                                     

    s                    z

    ʃ                 ʒ

   -                  j 

       At the Lips      

 Unvoiced          Voiced       

        p                       b 

       f                     v   

       -                     m 

        -                       w 

               Throat

   Unvoiced            Voiced    

    k                         g                

    h                      -

    -                      ŋ

    -                          r

Ex:
What data is missing?
My reef view isn't clear.
The leak going through the door is getting bigger.

3. Vowel + Vowel 
This rule can be divided into two parts. 

A. When a word ending in a vowel sound that makes you move your lips forward is followed by a word beginning in another vowel sound, connect the two with a [w] sound.This can also occur within a word.

Ex:
Do I want to eat now?
Two of the pancakes are burnt.
The dog was saved through our efforts.

B. If a word ending in a vowel sound that makes you move your lips sideways is followed by a word beginning with another vowel sound, connect the two with a [j] sound.

Ex:
He wants to be a fireman.
I asked the manager for his number.
He thinks she always comes on time.

4. T, D, S, Z + Y

T + Y = tʃ

Ex:
He'll let you use his bike.
Can I get you something to eat?
Should I use a natural color?


D + Y = dʒ

Ex:
Did you call him back?
He followed your orders precisely.
His graduation celebration was so big!

S + Y = ʃ

Ex:
Can you pass your glass to me?
I guess your father's very tall.
Bless your heart!

Z + Y = ʒ

Ex:

When's your school break?
When does your sister visit?
We had a casual conversation.


Have fun practicing!





Disclaimer: I did not make these rules. They are based on the rules found in the second edition of American Accent Training by Ann Cook.

Note: I use IPA. Please review your symbols. Thanks!