Hi Mandy,

From dictionary, "of" from the unstressed position can be pronounced as a schwa ə most of times, it will be pronounced as əv with the consonant [v] ending.

When I practice the linking and blending, sometimes, I feel it is easy to pronounce it as one schwa sound ə. I am curious that if there is a rule to tell us when to pronounce it as one schwa sound, when it as a schwa+v.ə

Thank you very much for the help.

svcrow

Hi again svcrow!

First, I'm glad you are not trying to pronounce the word of as it is spelled! That word tricks lots of new speakers into a very different pronunciation!

Actually, there is a rule to help you determine if the v sound is likely to be said or not, and even better, it is a simple rule. Hooray!

If the sound following the word of begins with a vowel sound, the v sound is usually pronounced. If the word that follows begins with a consonant sound, the v sound is often dropped, and only the schwa is said.

So, I'd ask for a "piece ə toast" and a "cup əv orange juice" for breakfast because toast begins with a consonant sound and juice begins with a vowel sound.

Nice question
Mandy

Hi Mandy,

Thank you very much for creating a PODcast on this. I listened and it clarifies the mist with the examples. You might link the sounds too well such that we cannot catch you (-:). I have not pronounced my alias yet, so your version is official.

Thanks again.

svcrow