Pronunciation: Two different ways to pronounce the word ‘the’

Hi. I’m Tim and this is my Pronunciation workshop. Here I’m gonna show you how English is

really spoken. Come on, let’s go inside.

You know, I’ve been thinking about decorating my workshop – bringing a little bit of colour to it.

But I can’t decide between blue or orange. Hmm. Let’s ask the people of London.

I prefer the blue one to the orange one. I prefer the blue one to the orange one.

I prefer the blue one to the orange one.

That sounds pretty comprehensive. Blue it is. I’ll go in and get the paints. Ooh, but

first, let’s talk about pronunciation. Now, everybody used the definite article – the – and

in each case it wasn’t stressed, but the pronunciation was slightly different. I’m gonna go in

and get the paints: you listen again and see if you can hear the two different ways the

definite article is pronounced. I’ll see you inside.

I prefer the blue one to the orange one. I prefer the blue one to the orange one.

I prefer the blue one to the orange one.

If it’s not stressed, the pronunciation of the word ‘the’ will change depending on the

word that follows. If the next word begins in a consonant sound, it’s pronounced /ðə/.

I prefer the blue one. But, if the next word begins in a vowel sound, it’s pronounced /ðɪː/.

I prefer the orange one. And you might remember from a previous video that when the sound

/ɪː/ is followed by a vowel sound, you might also hear a small linking /j/ in between.

I prefer the orange one. Here are some more examples.

In a restaurant, I always order the apple pie.

I think the autumn is the best time of year. The earlier I get up, the happier I am.

It’s the one over there.

So you’ve heard the examples, and now it’s your turn. Listen and repeat.

In a restaurant, I always order the apple pie.

I think the autumn is the best time of year.

The earlier I get up, the happier I am.

It’s the one over there.

Well done. Now remember, if you want to learn more about this subject, then please visit

our website, bbclearningenglish.com. And that is about it from the pronunciation workshop

for this week. I’ll see you soon. Bye bye! Right – let’s get cracking on this painting.

Now, you know the problem with these paint pots is that the lids aren’t always the easiest

to open. Ahh! Owww! Eeeshh! Not again!