Glide Insertion
When [w] or [j] links words together
What is it?
When a word ending in a vowel is followed by a word starting with a vowel, English speakers naturally insert a glide sound to link them:
- After rounded vowels (/uː/, /oʊ/, /aʊ/) → insert [w]
- After front vowels (/iː/, /eɪ/, /aɪ/) → insert [j]
go out
→
/ɡoʊ aʊt/
→
[ɡoʊw‿aʊt]
see it
→
/siː ɪt/
→
[siːj‿ɪt]
When does it happen?
Glide insertion occurs when:
- Word ends in a vowel — especially /iː/, /eɪ/, /aɪ/, /oʊ/, /uː/, /aʊ/
- Next word starts with a vowel
- In connected speech — words flow together naturally
**Note:** This is automatic and unconscious for native speakers — they don't think about inserting these sounds.
Examples
[w] after rounded vowels
| Phrase | Standard | Spoken |
|---|
| go out | ɡoʊ aʊt | ɡoʊw‿aʊt |
| do it | duː ɪt | duːw‿ɪt |
[j] after front vowels
| Phrase | Standard | Spoken |
|---|
| see it | siː ɪt | siːj‿ɪt |
| say it | seɪ ɪt | seɪj‿ɪt |
Exceptions
- Slow/careful speech: Speakers may pause between words instead of linking
- After schwa: No glide is typically inserted after /ə/
Related rules
- Flap T/D — another way words connect in American English