Revision as of 17:20, 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.
  • have never becomes ə(v) as it does preceding a past participle.
  • has never becomes z as it does in She's got time.

The reduction takes place around the pivot "to", as with the verbs going to V and want to V, where even the t disappears!

• I'm going to go. (sometimes written: I'm gonna' go.)
  'ɡɔnəgoʊ
• I want to be... (sometimes written: I wanna' be.)
  'wɑnəgoʊ

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