Subtitles section Play video
-
Hi. I'm Tim and this is my Pronunciation workshop. Here I'm gonna show you how English is
-
really spoken. Come on, let's go inside.
-
You know, I've been thinking about decorating my workshop - bringing a little bit of colour to it.
-
But I can't decide between blue or orange. Hmm. Let's ask the people of London.
-
I prefer the blue one to the orange one. I prefer the blue one to the orange one.
-
I prefer the blue one to the orange one.
-
That sounds pretty comprehensive. Blue it is. I'll go in and get the paints. Ooh, but
-
first, let's talk about pronunciation. Now, everybody used the definite article - the - and
-
in each case it wasn't stressed, but the pronunciation was slightly different. I'm gonna go in
-
and get the paints: you listen again and see if you can hear the two different ways the
-
definite article is pronounced. I'll see you inside.
-
I prefer the blue one to the orange one. I prefer the blue one to the orange one.
-
I prefer the blue one to the orange one.
-
If it's not stressed, the pronunciation of the word 'the' will change depending on the
-
word that follows. If the next word begins in a consonant sound, it's pronounced /ðə/.
-
I prefer the blue one. But, if the next word begins in a vowel sound, it's pronounced /ðɪː/.
-
I prefer the orange one. And you might remember from a previous video that when the sound
-
/ɪː/ is followed by a vowel sound, you might also hear a small linking /j/ in between.
-
I prefer the orange one. Here are some more examples.
-
In a restaurant, I always order the apple pie.
-
I think the autumn is the best time of year. The earlier I get up, the happier I am.
-
It's the one over there.
-
So you've heard the examples, and now it's your turn. Listen and repeat.
-
In a restaurant, I always order the apple pie.
-
I think the autumn is the best time of year.
-
The earlier I get up, the happier I am.
-
It's the one over there.
-
Well done. Now remember, if you want to learn more about this subject, then please visit
-
our website, bbclearningenglish.com. And that is about it from the pronunciation workshop
-
for this week. I'll see you soon. Bye bye! Right - let's get cracking on this painting.
-
Now, you know the problem with these paint pots is that the lids aren't always the easiest
-
to open. Ahh! Owww! Eeeshh! Not again!