Linking Words Together

Advanced · Connected Speech

Native speakers do not say words as separate blocks — they join them into a smooth stream. This is called linking, and it is a huge reason fast English can be hard to understand. Once you link your own words, you sound far more fluent and natural.

The most common rule: when a word ends in a consonant sound and the next word starts with a vowel sound, join them. "an apple" sounds like "a-napple"; "turn it off" sounds like "tur-ni-toff".

The main linking rule

consonant + vowel → join them. "an apple" → "a-napple". "pick it up" → "pi-ki-tup".

Rules & examples

1. Consonant-to-vowel linking joins the sounds.

   The final consonant "jumps" onto the next word's vowel.

   • an apple → a-napple
   • turn it off → tur-ni-toff
   • far away → fa-raway
2. A /w/ or /j/ glide links two vowels.

   A tiny "w" or "y" sound fills the gap between vowels.

   • go on → "go-w-on"
   • I agree → "I-y-agree"
3. Same or similar consonants merge into one longer sound.

   You do not say the consonant twice.

   • this Saturday → "thi-Saturday"
   • bus stop → "bu-stop"

Tips to remember

• Do not pause between words that link — let the stream flow.
• Linking is why "not at all" sounds like "no-ta-tall". Listening for links helps you understand fast speech too.