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

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