0
Anonymous Posted 16 years ago
Vocabulary

Pronounciation

why we some times pronounce the word OFTEN with T and sometimes without T
  

Top answer

It is a matter, originally, of hypercorrection-- of some people thinking that the 't', because it is present, must be pronounced. Now, both pronunciations are accepted. Here is what the American Heritage Dictionary has to say: During the 15th century English experienced a widespread loss of certain consonant sounds within consonant clusters, as the (d) in handsome and handkerchief, the (p) in consumption and raspberry, and the (t) in chestnut and often.

— Mister Micawber

  • It is a matter, originally, of hypercorrection-- of some people thinking that the 't', because it is present, must be pronounced.
  • Now, both pronunciations are accepted.
  • Here is what the American Heritage Dictionary has to say: During the 15th century English experienced a widespread loss of certain consonant sounds within consonant clusters, as the (d) in handsome and handkerchief, the (p) in consumption and raspberry, and the (t) in chestnut and often.
  • In this way the consonant clusters were simplified and made easier to articulate.
  • With the rise of public education and literacy and, consequently, people's awareness of spelling in the 19th century, sounds that had become silent sometimes were restored, as is the case with the t in often, which is now frequently pronounced.
Free · every Monday

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.

1 Answers
0
It is a matter, originally, of hypercorrection-- of some people thinking that the 't', because it is present, must be pronounced. Now, both pronunciations are accepted.

Here is what the American Heritage Dictionary has to say:

During the 15th century English experienced a widespread loss of certain consonant sounds within consonant clusters, as the (d) in handsome and
0

Related Questions