The /t/ Sound: Why You Don’t Alwa...

The /t/ Sound: Why You Don’t Always Hear It (Held T)

The Accent Journey Podcast by Steven D. Nelson

Episode notes

In this episode of The Accent Journey, we explore an important feature of natural spoken English: the unreleased, or held /t/.

Many learners pronounce the /t/ sound very clearly in all positions, but in American English, /t/ is often not fully "released," especially when it comes before another consonant. Instead of a strong “t” sound, speakers make a quick stop with the tongue and move directly to the next sound.

You’ll learn:

  • What a held /t/ is and how it sounds
  • When it typically occurs (before consonant sounds)
  • How to physically produce the “stop without release”
  • Common mistakes learners make—and how to avoid them

The episode includes extensive guided practice with phrases, sentences, dialogues, and a longer passage, helping y ... 

Read more
Keywords
accent reductionamerican accentendings
Where this episode is made