How To Pronounce “to”
to
function word“to” is a function word, so it has more than one pronunciation. In normal connected speech the weak form is usual. The strong form is used when the word is stressed, said on its own or at the end of a phrase.
Strong form. In British English it is /tuː/, and in American English it is /tuː/. It is used at the end of speech, or for emphasis or contrast.
Weak form, before a consonant. In British English it is /tə/, and in American English it is /tə/. It is used in connected speech, before a consonant.
Weak form, before a vowel. In British English it is /tu/, and in American English it is /tu/. It is used in connected speech, before a vowel.
Slashes / / show the phonemic transcription, the sounds that change meaning. Square brackets [ ] show the phonetic transcription, with the finer detail of how the sounds are actually made.
Questions About To
How do you pronounce to in British English?
Strong form, /tuː/. Weak form, before a consonant, /tə/. Weak form, before a vowel, /tu/.
How do you pronounce to in American English?
Strong form, /tuː/. Weak form, before a consonant, /tə/. Weak form, before a vowel, /tu/.
What is the weak form of to?
The weak form of to is /tə/ in British English. It is the usual form in connected speech.
Other Function Words With Weak Forms
Nearby Words
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