Sound More Natural: Linking and Intrusion in English (B2 Pronunciation) — B2 English pronunciation lesson by Langcom

Sound More Natural: Linking and Intrusion in English (B2 Pronunciation)

劳尔-马吉尼亚

Langcom 创始人 | 剑桥考试和SIELE考试考官

7 月 19, 2026

B2🔊 发音⏱️ 阅读时间 4 分钟
Connected speech makes your English sound natural and fluent, just like native speakers. When words join together in spoken English, they often change their individual sounds. This process, known as connected speech, includes two important features: linking and intrusion. Linking happens when a word ending in a consonant sound is followed by a word starting with a vowel sound; the consonant sound “links” directly to the vowel sound, creating a smooth flow. For example, pick up 听起来像 pi-kup. Intrusion occurs when two vowel sounds meet, and a small, extra consonant sound (like /j/, /w/, or /r/) is added between them to prevent a break in the flow, as in I am sounding like I-yam. Mastering these techniques will significantly improve both your pronunciation and your ability to understand fast, natural English, helping you communicate more effectively at a B2 level.

什么是连读?

In everyday English, we do not pronounce each word separately. Instead, words often blend together, creating a continuous flow of sound.

This blending is called connected speech. It helps speakers communicate more quickly and smoothly.

✍️ 不确定自己的水平如何?

参加我们的免费分级测试,获得由剑桥认证考官提供的个性化反馈。.

参加我们的免费分级测试

How Does Linking Work?

Linking happens when a word ends with a consonant sound and the next word begins with a vowel sound.

The final consonant sound of the first word joins with the initial vowel sound of the second word. This creates a smooth transition between the words.

  • Consonant + Vowel: The consonant sound moves to the next word.
  • 例如 an apple 听起来像 a-napple.
  • 例如 what is it 听起来像 wha-ti-zit.

What is Intrusion in Pronunciation?

Intrusion occurs when two vowel sounds meet, one at the end of a word and one at the beginning of the next word.

To avoid a pause or a ‘gap’ between the vowels, a small, extra consonant sound is added. These sounds are usually /j/, /w/, or /r/.

  • Intrusive /j/: This sound is added after vowel sounds like /iː/, /eɪ/, /aɪ/, /ɔɪ/.
  • Intrusive /w/: This sound is added after vowel sounds like /uː/, /oʊ/, /aʊ/.
  • Intrusive /r/: This sound is added by non-rhotic speakers (like in British English) when a word ending in /ə/ or /ɑː/ is followed by a vowel. This is sometimes called ‘linking /r/’ if the ‘r’ is in the spelling, but ‘intrusive /r/’ if it’s not.

Why are Linking and Intrusion Important for B2 Learners?

Mastering these features of connected speech is crucial for B2 learners.

  • Improved Listening: You will understand native speakers better, especially when they speak quickly.
  • More Natural Pronunciation: Your own speech will sound more fluent and less ‘choppy’.
  • Enhanced Fluency: It helps you speak more smoothly and confidently.
Summary of Intrusive Sounds
Ending Vowel Sound(s) Intrusive Sound 示例
/iː/, /eɪ/, /aɪ/, /ɔɪ/ /j/ she_is, play_it, I_am
/uː/, /oʊ/, /aʊ/ /w/ do_it, go_away, how_are you
/ə/, /ɑː/ (non-rhotic accents) /r/ idea_of, draw_it

示例

  • I need to pick_up my brother.
  • It’s an_old_idea.
  • She_is always happy.
  • Go_away now!
  • How_are you doing?
  • The car_is red. (Intrusive /r/ in non-rhotic accents)
  • I_am going home.
  • Do_it again.

练习

Ready to earn your certificate?

Langcom prepares students for Cambridge, IELTS, TOEFL, DELE, SIELE and Michigan exams.

Get started with Langcom

西班牙语母语者常犯的错误

Spanish speakers often pronounce each word distinctly, even when words should link or intrude. For example, saying I am with a clear break between Iam, instead of the more natural I-yam.

Another common error is not linking a final consonant to an initial vowel. For instance, pronouncing take it as two separate words instead of the linked ta-kit. This makes speech sound less natural and can sometimes make it harder for native speakers to follow.

常见问题

Is linking the same as intrusion?

No, they are different types of connected speech. Linking is when a final consonant sound joins an initial vowel sound, like in black_ink. Intrusion is when an extra consonant sound (/j/, /w/, or /r/) is added between two vowel sounds, like in go_away.

Do I always have to use linking and intrusion?

For natural, fluent English, especially at B2 level and above, using linking and intrusion is highly recommended. It helps you sound more like a native speaker and improves your listening comprehension.

How can I practice linking and intrusion?

Listen carefully to native speakers in films, podcasts, and conversations. Try to imitate how they connect words. You can also record yourself speaking and compare it to a native speaker’s pronunciation of the same phrases. Focus on phrases like as_ifnew_ideas.

Related lessons

关于作者:劳尔·马吉尼亚

劳尔·马吉尼亚是Langcom教育协会的主任,该协会是位于 美国. 凭借在语言教育和国际认证领域十余年的经验,他已帮助来自25个国家的数千名学生、教师和教育机构考取了剑桥英语证书以及IELTS、TOEFL和Michigan英语证书。.

了解有关 Langcom 的更多信息 →

0 条评论

提交评论

您的邮箱地址不会被公开。 必填项已用 * 标注

这个站点使用 Akismet 来减少垃圾评论。了解你的评论数据如何被处理

索取更多信息

如果您还有任何问题,我们随时可以为您提供帮助。.

Whatsapp

邮件