English Language Writing Skills

By Danso Kwasi Nti Samuel (DAS). Study the complete course source, examine every model and practise alongside Professor Jarvis.

Course printed page 19 PDF page 25 of 505

For tables, matching columns, IPA and original formatting, open the course PDF above.

Voiceless plosives do not involve vocal cord vibration.

 /p/ is voiceless, produced with both lips.

  Examples: pat, tap, cup

 /t/ is voiceless, produced at the alveolar ridge.

 Examples: top, hat, cat

Using Plosives in Connected Speech

In connected speech, plosives may be pronounced (a small burst of air follows the release of

the sound) or unaspirated (no burst of air).

Aspirated Plosives in Connected Speech

Aspirated plosives are consonant sounds produced with a strong burst of air after the release

of the plosive. In English, the plosives /p/, /t/, and /k/ are commonly aspirated when they

occur at the beginning of a stressed syllable. The aspiration is what distinguishes them from

their unaspirated counterparts.

In connected speech, the occurrence of aspiration may vary depending on the context:

1. At the Beginning of Stressed Words:

 "Please pass the pepper."

     ü The /p/ in "please," "pass," and "pepper" are all aspirated.

  This makes the pronunciation [pʰliːz pʰæs ðə pʰɛpər].