Hi! This is Amy with Go Places English and today I want to talk about the pronunciation and reduction of BE in American English.

There are many words that begin with the sound BE that are commonly reduced in American English. We tend to reduce the BE when the BE sound is the first syllable of the word, and the stress falls on the second syllable. Let’s look at an example.

BEFORE. Notice how the BE sound is reduced to B’. BEFORE. B’ B’ B’ BEFORE

Also notice the stress is on the second syllable. B’FORE. B’FORE.

Let’s look at some commonly reduced BE words and practice.

Behind, Behind

Below, Below

Begin, Begin

Between, Between

Benign, Benign

Believe, Believe

Because, Because

Beguile, Beguile

Bereave, Bereave

Befriend, Befriend

Nice work.

You can instantly improve your English and sound more like a native speaker by practicing and reducing BE words correctly.

When you master American English pronunciation, you can speak with confidence knowing that your pronunciation is accurate and listeners will understand you.

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