See the previous liaison lessons: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3
Combining T, D, S
or Z + Y
When the letter or sound of T, D, S or Z is followed by a word that starts with Y, or its sound, both sounds are connected. These letters and sounds connect not only with Y, but they do so as well with the initial unwritten [y] sound of syllables and words. They form a combination that changes the pronunciation.
T + Y = CH
| Spelling | Pronunciation |
| What's your name? | [Whacher name?] |
| Can't you do it? | [Canchoo do it?] |
| Don't you like it? | [Donchoo like it?] |
| actually | [achully] |
D +
Y = J
| Spelling | Pronunciation |
| What did you do? | [Whajoo do?] |
| Would you help me? | [Wüjoo help me?] |
| Did you like it? | [Didja like it?] |
| graduation | [graju(w)ation] |
S + Y = SH
| Spelling | Pronunciation |
| insurance | [inshurance] |
| sugar | [shüg'r] |
Z + Y = ZH
| Spelling | Pronunciation |
| How's your family? | [howzher family?] |
| Who's your friend? | [hoozhier friend?] |
| casual | [kazhyoow'l] |
| usual | [yuzhoow'l] |
Check Your Understanding
Can you find the liaisons that connect T, D, S, or Z with Y? Say them out loud to yourself, then listen to the sentences below.1. Where's your mom?
2. I'll let you know.
3. Bless you!
4. It's gradual.
5. Haven't you done it?
6. Let me guess your age.
7. Could you tell?
8. Who's your friend?
Answers- Click the sentence to hear it.
1. Where's your mom? zh
2. I'll let you know. ch
3. Bless you! sh
4. It's gradual. j
5. Haven't you done it? ch
6. Let me guess your age. sh
7. Could you tell? j
8. Who's your friend? zh
