Eva Easton

Authentic American Pronunciation

Reduction: can – /kən/ or /kæn/

Reduction
is a basic element of American English Pronunciation.

English is a stress based language.
stressed syllables: louder, stronger
unstressed syllables: shorter, softer

Reduction happens when we don’t stress a syllable.
The unstressed vowel sound becomes shorter, softer …/ə/.

Many common words are often unstressed.
In this video, we focus on one of them:
Modal Auxiliary Verb CAN

And now it’s your turn.
What do you hear?
/kən/ or /kæn/

1. What can I get you?
2. Can you please stop bothering me!
3. Can we have the check, please
4. I can do this without your help.  I really can, but thanks anyway.
5. Can you bring me another cup of coffee.  Oh, and can I have some extra napkins.
6. Who can I talk to?
7. How can I help you?
8. Don't doubt me.  I really can change a tire.  Can you?
9. Can you say that again!   I didn't understand everything you said.
10. Learning English can be a challenge, but Olga has figured out how to meet that challenge.
11. Can you please speak more slowly.
12. I'm sure Miss Smith can help you, but she's not in the office right now.  Can I take a message?
13. What can I do for you?
14. Sorry, ma'am.  I can't help you, but I'll pass you on to someone who can.
15. Can you tell me the best way to get to the airport?
16. Can I have a hamburger, fries, and a coke.
17. Can you believe how cold it is today!
18. Hello, this is Mary Jones.  Can you connect me with customer service.
19. Where can I find someone to fix my tire?
20. Can you help me with a problem?



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