Lessons · Unit 5, lesson 1

Weak words: to, of, and, the

Real sentences don't give every word its dictionary sound. The little grammar words — to, of, and, a, the — shrink to a quick ə so the important words can carry the beat. On your sheets they're printed small and grey: say them fast and soft, exactly as marked.

Hear it in real sentences

Press play, listen to the whole sentence, then read it from the sheet yourself — match the rhythm, not just the sounds.

If to came out as tə and of as əv, you've found English rhythm. Saying every word in full is what makes speech sound like a robot reading a list.