B1 English Pronunciation: Weak Forms

Language Focus: Strong and Weak Forms

Many common function words (to, for, and, of, can, was, from, than, at, some) have two pronunciations: a strong form (the full vowel sound) and a weak form (the vowel reduces to a quick /ə/ sound, called schwa).

Word	Strong form	Weak form	Example (weak, normal speech)
to	/tu:/	/tə/	I want to go.
for	/fɔ:/	/fə/	This is for you.
and	/ænd/	/ən/	fish and chips
of	/ɒv/	/əv/	a cup of tea
can	/kæn/	/kən/	I can swim.
was	/wɒz/	/wəz/	He was tired.

Rule: We normally use the weak form in everyday speech. We switch to the strong form when the word is stressed for emphasis or contrast, or when it comes at the end of a sentence or question.

See it in context

I want to leave now. (normal — weak form)

Who are you talking TO? (end of question — strong form)

Same word, two different sounds — it depends on where it sits in the sentence and whether it's emphasised.

Listen and Practise

Click the speaker to listen to each sentence. Then click whether the bold word is in its strong form or weak form.

Exercise 1: True or False

Exercise 2: Multiple Choice

Exercise 3: Matching

Click the speaker to listen to each sentence. Then click the sentence, and click the box with its correct form.

English Pronunciation: Weak Forms

Language Focus: Strong and Weak Forms

See it in context

Listen and Practise

Exercise 1: True or False

Exercise 2: Multiple Choice

Exercise 3: Matching

Exercise 4: Word Sort

Weak Form (normal)

Strong Form (emphasis/end)

Exercise 5: Gap Fill

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