Revision as of 17:02, 8 April 2013

have to V / need to V

phonetics

The most basic tools used to express obligation, they form a phonetic unit with the following verb. In the most informal speech, one hears:

1. They all need to see a doctor.
   ni:dtə(ʊ)si:
2. We have to stop using so much petrol.
   hæftəstɑp
3. I really have to go now.
   hæftəgəʊ
4. She has to finish cooking the books.
   hæstəfɪnɪʃ

Have and has can not be phonetically reduced on the left side.
hæf and hæs never become ə(v) as it does preceding a past participle. The reduction takes place around the pivot "to". There are many similar reductions around the pivot to in English.

• I'm gonna' go (going to)
• I wanna' go (want to)

Exercise 1: Pronunciation

Practice pronouncing these verbal elements in a relaxed register:

1. has to start:
   hæstəstɑrt
2. had to stop:
   hædtəstəstɑp
3. have to start dealing with:
   hædtəstəstɑrtdi:lɪɳwɪθ
4. has to get done:
   hæstəgetdʌn
5. 'll have to get it done:
   lhæftəgetdʌn