NT Cluster Reduction
When T disappears after N
What is it?
In fast, connected American English speech, when T appears after N and before an unstressed vowel, the T is often dropped entirely. You just hear the N sound.
twenty
→
/twɛnti/
→
[twɛni]
This makes "twenty" sound like "twenny" and "internet" sound like "innernet".
When does it happen?
NT reduction occurs in casual, fast speech when:
- T comes after N
- T is followed by an unstressed vowel
**Note:** Words like "contain" [kənteɪn] keep the T because the following vowel is **stressed**.
Examples
Numbers
Common words
-nt- in the middle
Exceptions
- Before stressed vowels: contain, entail, intent — T is pronounced
- Formal/careful speech: In formal contexts, the T is usually pronounced clearly