Final T/D Elision
When T or D drops in consonant clusters
What is it?
When T or D is part of a consonant cluster (like -st, -nd, -ld) at the end of a word, it often drops completely before a word starting with a consonant.
just say
→
/dʒʌst seɪ/
→
[dʒʌs seɪ]
old man
→
/oʊld mæn/
→
[oʊl mæn]
When does it happen?
T/D elision occurs when:
- T/D is in a cluster — st, nd, ld, ft, kt, etc.
- Next word starts with consonant — not a vowel
- In casual/connected speech — very common in everyday conversation
**Note:** This is different from glottal T. Here the sound is deleted entirely, not replaced.
Examples
| Phrase | Standard | Spoken |
|---|
| just say | dʒʌst seɪ | dʒʌs seɪ |
| old man | oʊld mæn | oʊl mæn |
| and then | ænd ðɛn | æn ðɛn |
Exceptions
- Before vowels: "just a" keeps the T (or it becomes a flap)
- Careful speech: In formal contexts, the T/D may be pronounced
- Emphasis: "I JUST said that!" — T pronounced for emphasis
Related rules
- Glottal T — single T becomes glottal stop (not deleted)
- Flap T/D — T/D between vowels becomes a flap