Video | WHAT ARE YOU…?

Hi! This is Amy, with Go Places English and today I want to talk about the linking and reduction of WHAT ARE YOU in American English.

WHAT ARE YOU… is a common question you hear in American English. For example, What are you doing?

In everyday conversation tuh-yahis is often reduced and linked to sound like, Whuduh-ya. Whuduh-ya. Whuduh-ya doing? Whuduh-ya doing? Whuduh-ya doing?

Sometimes it is further reduced to sound like “Whuhcha.” Whuhcha. Whuhcha. Whuhcha doing? Whuhcha doing?

Whuhcha

In both options, the gerund in the sentence is frequently reduced so that the G sound is completely omitted. DOIN’ DOIN’

Whuhcha doin’?

Let’s practice using some example sentences. First we will practice the first pronunciation, Whuduh-ya, and then we will go through the practice sentences again and practice Whuhcha.

Repeat aloud with me.

What are you doing?

What are you thinking?

What are you watching?

What are you studying?

What are you buying?

What are you feeling?

What are you reading?

What are you eating?

What are you drinking?

What are you working on?

What are you hoping for?

What are you waiting for?

Good job!

Now let’s practice the second form of the reduction and linking of What are you…? Whuhcha.

Repeat aloud with me.

What are you doing?

What are you thinking?

What are you watching?

What are you studying?

What are you buying?

What are you feeling?

What are you reading?

What are you eating?

What are you drinking?

What are you working on?

What are you hoping for?

What are you waiting for?

Great!

Remember, reduction and linking is used only in oral English. When writing English, be sure to spell words correctly.

Record yourself asking the”Whuduh-ya” and “Whuhcha” questions in this video, and compare your pronunciation with mine.

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If you have questions or feedback about this lesson, please let me know in the comments. Thanks!

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