Pronunciation

IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet)
Sentense Melody
- Intonation
- Rhythm
Sound Changes
- Softening
- Reduction
- Linking
- Elision (/ɪˈlɪʒ.ən/)
- Liaison (/liˈeɪ.zɒn/)
- Assimilation (/əˌsɪm.ɪˈleɪ.ʃən/)

Intonation

Rhythm

Reduction

Softening

Linking

Elision

Liaison

Assimilation

The /ð/ sound in words like the, that, this can turn into /n/ in connected speech due to assimilation. This typically happens when /ð/ follows a word ending in /n/ or /m/, causing the /ð/ to be replaced by /n/ for smoother pronunciation.

Common Situations Where /ð/ → /n/

1. When "the" follows a word ending in /n/ or /m/

"on the" → /ɒn‿ðə/ → /ɒn‿nə/
Example: "It's on the table." → /ɪts ɒn‿nə ˈteɪbəl/
"in the" → /ɪn‿ðə/ → /ɪn‿nə/
Example: "He’s in the house." → /hiːz ɪn‿nə haʊs/
"from the" → /frɒm‿ðə/ → /frɒm‿nə/
Example: "I got it from the shop." → /aɪ gɒt ɪt frɒm‿nə ʃɒp/

2. When "than" follows a word ending in /n/

**"more than"** → /mɔːr‿ðən/ → /mɔːr‿nən/**
- Example: *"More than ever."* → **/mɔːr‿nən ɛvə/**

3. When "then" follows a word ending in /n/

**"in then"** → /ɪn‿ðen/ → /ɪn‿nen/**
Example: *"I’ll go in then."* → **/aɪl gəʊ ɪn‿nen/**

Why Does This Happen?

This change occurs due to assimilation, where one sound changes to become more like a neighbouring sound for smoother speech. Since /n/ and /ð/ are pronounced with the tongue touching nearly the same place, it’s easier to replace /ð/ with /n/ when preceded by /n/ or /m/.