How to Pronounce: The different “t” sounds of American English

Hello! I’m John Russell. Today, I would like to introduce you to a letter in American English that is like a comic book character. Much like Peter Parker changes into Spiderman in certain situations, so too does the letter /t/ change in certain situations. Consider the name Peter. I pronounced the “t” in the middle of the name more like a /d/ sound. Peter /pēder/ In general, when a “t” is between two vowels, Americans often pronounce it like a fast /d/ sound. You lightly tap the tip of your tongue on your tooth ridge – the area a centimeter or two behind your teeth. It is sometimes called the “tapped t” because you quickly tap your tongue in the place close where you would make the “t” sound. Here are some more examples: City Better There are other situations in which American change the letter “t” into a fast /d/ sound. These include when the “t” comes before the letter “l,” as in: Little As well as when the “t” comes after an “r” and a vowel sound, as in everyone’s favorite word: Party Try listening to how Americans say the letter “t” in different words, and then practice doing so yourself. Over time, you will pronounce the letter “t” much like an American. That’s all for today! Keep up the good work! Originally published at - https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a...