14. Contractions in English: Your Essential Pronunciation Guide

14. Contractions in English: Your Essential Pronunciation Guide

Author: Hadar Shemesh February 4, 2020 Duration: 38:42

Download the English contractions practice sheet and the audio: https://hadarshemesh.com/contractions-freebie/


Contractions are words and phrases that are shortened by dropping sounds (in writing and in speaking). Contractions are all the you'd, she'll, we're, isn't etc.

These contractions allow us to signal our listeners what is more important and what is less, and that makes our communication in English clearer.
For non-native speakers these contractions might be a bit confusing.

Have you ever thought to yourself, "these short words are not clear enough when they come out of MY mouth"? Do you find yourself separating them because of that? Many learners of English as a second language feel like that but actually, the truth is you can use these contractions, and sound clearer! In this episode, I'll tell you how to use contractions in speaking and how to pronounce the most common contractions in English.

If you like this episode you might want to watch these videos as well:
How to speak English faster (the qualities of GOOD fast vs BAD fast)
Connected speech in English
American INTONATION – What They don't Teach You in School + American Intonation podcast episode 12


If you want to improve your accent and understand spoken English better, download my free American Accent audio crash course.

You can also download an interactive list of  50 of the most mispronounced words in English and master the pronunciation of those tricky words.


Hadar Shemesh hosts The InFluency Podcast, drawing from her own journey from an intermediate English speaker to a recognized pronunciation expert and fluency coach. This isn't about abstract theory; it's a practical, empathetic guide for anyone who feels stuck in their language learning. Hadar's conversations and solo episodes delve into the tangible strategies that actually work for acquiring an American accent, building unshakeable confidence, and moving beyond textbook English to authentic, fluid speech. You'll hear a blend of mindset shifts, technical pronunciation breakdowns, and stories from a global community of learners. The focus is always on the human side of fluency-how it connects to identity, courage, and communication. Each episode of this podcast feels like a direct coaching session, offering actionable steps that address the real frustrations and aspirations of students and teachers alike. Hadar's approach demystifies the process, making the path to speaking English with assurance feel not only possible but deeply personal. Tune in for a resource that understands the journey because the host has lived it, creating a space where progress is celebrated over perfection.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 508

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