Glottal T (Word-Final)
When T becomes a glottal stop before consonants
What is it?
When a word ends in T (not in a cluster), it often becomes a glottal stop [ʔ] before a consonant. A glottal stop is made by briefly closing your throat.
that boy
→
/ðæt bɔɪ/
→
[ðæʔ bɔɪ]
what time
→
/wʌt taɪm/
→
[wʌʔ taɪm]
When does it happen?
Glottal T occurs when:
- Word ends in T — not in a cluster like -st, -nt
- Next word starts with consonant — not a vowel
- In casual speech — very common in American English
**Note:** Before vowels, T usually becomes a flap [ɾ] instead (see Flap T/D rule).
Examples
| Phrase | Standard | Spoken |
|---|
| that boy | ðæt bɔɪ | ðæʔ bɔɪ |
| what time | wʌt taɪm | wʌʔ taɪm |
| get back | ɡɛt bæk | ɡɛʔ bæk |
Exceptions
- Before vowels: "that is" → T becomes flap, not glottal stop
- In clusters: "just say" → T is deleted (see Final T/D Elision)
- Careful speech: In formal contexts, T may be fully pronounced