Lesson 4 of 6

Linking Words Together

Connect words smoothly so your speech flows like a native speaker's.

12 minLevel B1–B2

Learners often speak word by word, with tiny pauses: "I. Want. To. Pick. It. Up." Native speakers link words into one smooth stream: "I wanna pi-ki-tup." Linking is also why fast English is hard to understand. Once you learn the patterns, both your speaking and listening improve.

LearnThe key ideas

The three main linking patterns

PatternExampleSounds like
Consonant + vowelturn it offtur-ni-toff
Same consonant twiceblack coffee, bad daybla-coffee (one long K), ba-day
Vowel + vowel (add a light Y or W)go out, I am, she isgo-wout, I-yam, she-yis

Why it matters for listening

When an American says "Wha-dya-wanna-do?", it's four words linked together: What do you want to do? Practise hearing whole chunks instead of separate words.

Phrasal verbs link a lot: pick it up, check it out, figure it out, hold on, come on in.

ListenListen and repeat

  • Can you turn it off?tur-ni-toff
  • Check it out!che-ki-dout
  • I'll pick you up at eight.pi-kyu-pa-deight
  • Go on, I'm listening.go-won

AvoidCommon mistakes

Pausing after every word✓ Link words into chunksPauses make speech sound choppy.
Adding a vowel between words✓ Link directlyNot "turn-uh it-uh off".
Missing linked words when listening✓ Practise hearing chunksShadowing helps a lot here.

SpeakShadowing practice

Press Listen, then repeat straight away, copying the speed, rhythm and tone. Say each sentence three times, then record yourself.

  • Can you turn it off and put it away?
  • Hold on a minute, I'll look it up.
  • Come on in, make yourself at home.
Record the sentences above and compare with the audio.

CheckQuick quiz

1. "Pick it up" in natural speech:

2. "Go out" links with a light:

3. Linking helps you:

PracticeToday's speaking task

Shadow a 30-second clip of a native speaker 5 times, copying the linking exactly. Record your last try.

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