| Weak
forms / Citation forms |
Some
words have two pronunciations:
- The weak form, which is used in normal
conversation.
- The citation form, such as when you say the word
on its own (e.g. reading it from a dictionary) or when
emphazing it.
Example:
was
- Weak form: the a of was is like the e
in absent (a schwa or neutral vowel sound, not an e
sound!).
- Citation form: the a is like the o
in hot.
The weak form is used when no emphasis is necessary.
A: Where were you this morning?
B: I was in a meeting.
The citation form is used when the word is emphasized:
A: You weren’t at the meeting this morning.
B: Yes, I was.
|
