Connected Speech (UK): T-Glottalization (butter → /ˈbʌʔə/)

Learn T-glottalization: /t/ can be replaced by a glottal stop /ʔ/ in some UK accents.

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When to Use

•When your target accent is a UK variety where glottal /t/ is common.
•When listening: the /t/ may seem to disappear or sound like a catch in the throat.
•When practicing informal, conversational British speech (depending on region/style).

How to Form

Affirmative (+)

In some UK accents, /t/ may become a glottal stop /ʔ/ in certain positions (often before consonants or at word end).

Negative (-)

Do not assume all British accents use it equally; style and region matter.

Question (?)

Is /t/ in a position where it is hard to release clearly (end of word, before consonant)? If yes (some UK accents), glottalization may occur.

💡 Examples: bottle, butter, at home. British vs US note: glottal /t/ is more associated with many UK accents. In most US accents, /t/ in similar positions more often becomes a flap /ɾ/ (between vowels) or stays /t/. Choose a model accent and keep it consistent.

Examples

✓butter → /ˈbʌʔə/ (possible in some UK accents)

✗butter → /ˈbʌtər/ (forced rhotic/US-like)

A glottal stop can replace /t/ in informal speech in some UK varieties.

✓at home → /əʔ ˈhəʊm/ (possible)

Word-final /t/ before a consonant may glottalize.

✓bottle → /ˈbɒʔəl/ (possible)

A very common example in several UK accents.

Common Mistakes

💡 Practice Tips

• Pick a UK model speaker (or region) and imitate their /t/ behavior.
• Practice phrases: at home, not now, bottle of water.
• Record yourself and ensure the word remains understandable.

connected-speech-t-flapping connected-speech-linking

Connected Speech (UK): T-Glottalization (butter → /ˈbʌʔə/)

Learn T-glottalization: /t/ can be replaced by a glottal stop /ʔ/ in some UK accents.

advanced

When to Use

•When your target accent is a UK variety where glottal /t/ is common.
•When listening: the /t/ may seem to disappear or sound like a catch in the throat.
•When practicing informal, conversational British speech (depending on region/style).

How to Form

Affirmative (+)

In some UK accents, /t/ may become a glottal stop /ʔ/ in certain positions (often before consonants or at word end).

Negative (-)

Do not assume all British accents use it equally; style and region matter.

Question (?)

Is /t/ in a position where it is hard to release clearly (end of word, before consonant)? If yes (some UK accents), glottalization may occur.

Examples

✓butter → /ˈbʌʔə/ (possible in some UK accents)

✗butter → /ˈbʌtər/ (forced rhotic/US-like)

A glottal stop can replace /t/ in informal speech in some UK varieties.

✓at home → /əʔ ˈhəʊm/ (possible)

Word-final /t/ before a consonant may glottalize.

✓bottle → /ˈbɒʔəl/ (possible)

A very common example in several UK accents.

Common Mistakes

💡 Practice Tips

• Pick a UK model speaker (or region) and imitate their /t/ behavior.
• Practice phrases: at home, not now, bottle of water.
• Record yourself and ensure the word remains understandable.

connected-speech-t-flapping connected-speech-linking

Connected Speech (UK): T-Glottalization (butter → /ˈbʌʔə/)

When to Use

How to Form

Examples

Common Mistakes

💡 Practice Tips

Related

Connected Speech (UK): T-Glottalization (butter → /ˈbʌʔə/)

When to Use

How to Form

Examples

Common Mistakes

💡 Practice Tips

Related

When to Use

How to Form

Examples

Common Mistakes

✗Using glottal /t/ in all contexts

✗Treating glottal /t/ as a 'mistake'

💡 Practice Tips

Related

When to Use

How to Form

Examples

Common Mistakes

✗Using glottal /t/ in all contexts

✗Treating glottal /t/ as a 'mistake'

💡 Practice Tips

Related