“Flap T”
Spoken American English differs from British English
in several ways. One difference is
that sometimes the letter T (or letters TT) in the middle of a word aren’t
pronounced like a T. This sound is called
a “flap T” because the tip of the tongue just taps the ridge behind the upper
front teeth. It sounds more relaxed
than a T—more like a D. So, here in the
United States, a “party” often sounds like a “pardy” and “citizen” might sound
like “cidizen.”
Instructions to
make this sound: Your tongue quickly taps the ridge behind your upper front
teeth. It sounds more like a D than a
T. It usually occurs after a vowel, F,
R, N and before another vowel when the following syllable is not stressed.
Common Problems:
Using a T sound instead of a flap T.
later later at
the meeting
little little
about marketing
letter writing a
letter
water the waiter
brought water
quarter quarter inch
in diameter
ninety eighty or
ninety percent
We’re invited to a
party on Saturday.
You’ll find some butter and lettuce in the refrigerator.