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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