There are two common places that a final /t/ is deleted, or dropped, from the pronunciation of a word. Note that when the /t/ is dropped, the sound before the /t/ must link smoothly into the following word.

1. Deleting /t/ Between Consonants

When a word ending in consonant +/t/ links into a word beginning with a consonant, the final /t/ of the first word is often deleted.

Practice linking the dropped /t/ (between consonants):

1. first‿day: Sam's first‿day of school is tomorrow.

2. left‿my: I left‿my keys in the restaurant.

3. best‿friends: The twins are best‿friends.

4. interest‿rates: Interest‿rates have remained low.

5. rest‿during: Try to get some rest‿during the flight.

2. Deleting /t/ Between /nt/ and a Vowel Sound

When a word ending in /nt/ links into a word beginning with a vowel sound, the final /t/ is often deleted.

Practice linking the dropped /t/ (between /nt/ and vowel sound):

1. percent‿of: A percent‿of the profits are given to charity.

2. president‿announced: Our company president‿announced her retirement.

3. patient‿asked: The patient‿asked for another pillow.

4. apartment‿in: She moved into an apartment‿in the city.

5. accident‿occurred: The accident‿occurred early in the morning.

Related Linking Lessons

Deletion: Linking the dropped /d/
Assimilation: Linking /t/ as Alveolar Stop /t̬/
Assimilation: Linking /t/ as Glottal Stop /ʔ/
Linking /d/+/l/: Lateral Aspiration [d̚ l]
Linking /d+n/: Nasal Aspiration [d̚ n]