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Pronunciation: Two different ways to pronounce the word 'the'

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Tim's back in his pronunciation workshop. This time he's finding out how English speakers sometimes pronounce the word 'the' - and he's having trouble opening his paint pots...
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Transcript:
Tim
Hi. I'm Tim and this is my Pronunciation workshop. Here I'm going to show you how English is really spoken. Come on, let's go inside. You know, I’ve been thinking about decorating my workshop – bringing a little bit of colour to it. But I can’t decide between blue or orange. Hmm. Let’s ask the people of London.
Voxpops
I prefer the blue one to the orange one.
I prefer the blue one to the orange one.
I prefer the blue one to the orange one.
Tim
That sounds pretty comprehensive. Blue it is. I'll go in and get the paints. Ooh, but first, let’s talk about pronunciation. Now, everyone used the definite article – the – and in each case it wasn’t stressed, but the pronunciation was slightly different. I'm going to go in and get the paints: you listen again and see if you can hear the two different ways the definite article is pronounced. I'll see you inside.
Voxpops
I prefer the blue one to the orange one.
I prefer the blue one to the orange one.
I prefer the blue one to the orange one.
Tim
If it’s not stressed, the pronunciation of the word the will change depending on the word that follows. If the next word begins in a consonant sound, it’s pronounced /ðə/. I prefer the blue one. But, if the next word begins in a vowel sound, it’s pronounced /ðɪː/. I prefer the orange one. And you might remember from a previous video that when the sound /ɪː/ is followed by a vowel sound, you might also hear a small linking /j/ in between. I prefer the orange one. Here are some more examples.
Examples
In a restaurant, I always order the apple pie.
I think the autumn is the best time of year.
The earlier I get up, the happier I am.
It’s the one over there.
Tim
So you've heard the examples, and now it's your turn. Listen and repeat.
Examples
In a restaurant, I always order the apple pie.
I think the autumn is the best time of year.
The earlier I get up, the happier I am.
It’s the one over there.
Tim
Well done. Now remember, if you want to learn more about pronunciation, then please visit our website, bbclearningenglish.com. And that is about it from the pronunciation workshop for this week. I'll see you soon. Bye bye! Right – let's get cracking on this painting. Now, you know the problem with these paint pots is that the lids aren't always the easiest to open. Ahh! Owww! Eeeshh! Not again!
Category
English Languages
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