Advanced NS Endings American English Pronunciation
In this American English pronunciation video, we’re
going to go over words that end in the [ns] sounds.
This video is advanced, for people who are
into the subtleties of American English pronunciation.
If you’re new to my channel or to studying
pronunciation, don’t even watch this video.
Check out this playlist instead.
Every once in a while, someone will ask me
about words that end in the [ns] sounds.
Remember, I’m not talking about words that end with the LETTERS NS,
most of those are pronounced [nz] words like ‘runs’ or ‘opens’.
I’m talking about words with the sounds NS like ‘once’ and ‘since’ and ‘dance’.
I realized we pronounce these differently when I made a mistake.
I was writing the word for ‘fence’ in IPA and I wrote this.
When I looked it up to double check, I was surprised to find there wasn’t a T.
As I researched more words with [ns] and discussed
them with Tom, we both agreed.
Americans don’t really pronounce these words [ns], but [nts].
To make an N and an S with no T in between,
you have to sort of hold out the N. And we don’t do that.
So it sounds like there is a TS cluster
rather than a plain S at the end.
Basically, it just makes the word a little shorter.
Fens [ns] Fents [nts]
I have to really try hard to make an N followed by S with no T!
If you can’t hear the difference between
my two pronunciations, don’t worry.
This is definitely an advanced topic.
Dance [ns], dance [nts]
Once [ns], once [nts]
What are some common words with [ns]
that you can pronounce [nts]?
Rinse
Since
Tense
Sense
Chance
Science
Difference
Influence
dih-FENCE
DEE-fence
Audience
This does not apply to compound words where
there is a syllable break between the sounds,
like ‘inside’, or ‘instead’ – there
you can go ahead and make a longer N sound.
For those of you who have been wondering
about words like ‘fence’, ‘dance’, ‘once’, and ‘since’,
I hope this clears up the confusion.
You thought you were hearing a T and you were.
If you’re new to Rachel’s English, welcome.
I have over 500 videos to help you speak better
American English on my YouTube channel.
Click here to visit my channel and subscribe.
Or, see this playlist to get started with my videos.
The link is also in the description below.
And I have a great ebook – 290 pages
with two and a half hours of audio.
This book details my method for learning American English pronunciation.
It organizes hundreds of my online videos for a path, start to finish,
to help you speak beautifully and naturally.
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That’s it, and thanks so much for using Rachel’s English.