Contractions are two words that are combined together to form one. Contractions are used frequently in spoken English and are grammatically correct. If you use the full form of the contraction in conversation, your speech will sound stilted and unnatural.

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Possible pronunciation problems

You may avoid the use of contractions. For example:

• "I can't go." would sound like "I cannot go."

In conversational English, the words in phrases and short sentences should be linked together as if they were one word.

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For example: "How are you?" should be pronounced "Howaryou?"

And, "See you later" should be pronounced "Seeyəlater".

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Possible pronunciation problems

You may avoid the use reduced forms. For example:

• "He likes ham'n eggs." would sound like "He likes ham and eggs."

A phrase is a thought group or a group of words that convey meaning. A pause is a brief moment during which the speaker is silent. Sentences are divided into phrases or thought groups through the use of pauses.

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Possible pronunciation problems

You may insert pauses incorrectly between the words of a sentence, and these will obscure the meaning and create a faulty rhythm. For example:

• "I don't know Ana." would sound like "I don't know, Ana."