Learn how words connect in natural speech (linking consonant→vowel, /r/ linking, intrusion).
If a word ends with a consonant sound and the next word starts with a vowel sound, link them smoothly (no pause).
Do not add a new consonant unless your accent naturally uses linking/intrusion.
Does the next word start with a vowel sound? If yes, can you link the final consonant?
💡 Linking patterns vary by accent. British vs US note: many UK accents are non-rhotic (final 'r' is usually silent unless the next word starts with a vowel), so linking /r/ is common: 'far away' → /fɑːr əˈweɪ/. Most US accents are rhotic (the 'r' is pronounced in 'far'), so there is typically no special 'linking r' effect; the /r/ is already present. In both varieties, consonant→vowel linking (pick it up → /pɪkɪtʌp/) is common.
✓pick it up → /pɪkɪtʌp/
✗pick | it | up (clear pauses)
The /k/ links directly into the vowel of 'it'.
✓an apple → /ənˈæpəl/
✗an | apple (strong 'n' + pause)
The /n/ links into the next vowel, and 'an' is often weak /ən/.
✓far away → /fɑːr əˈweɪ/ (linking R)
Some accents pronounce /r/ only before a vowel sound (linking).