Can vs. Can't: American English Pronunciation

The words can and can’t are often easily confused because they sound so similar. If you have trouble hearing the difference or pronouncing these words, this English pronunciation lesson is for you!

This lesson is in-depth and gives lots of sample sentences so you can really use and practice the English pronunciation tips included in the video.

In this lesson:

CAN

• 00:14 How to pronounce "can" + IPA symbols /ˈkæn/

• 00:50 "can" reduction + IPA symbols /kən/

• 00:54 schwa /ə/

• 01:14 "I can." - When "can" is the only verb, it is not reduced.

• 01:25 "I can do it." -When "can" is with another verb it can be reduced

• 01:35 "Can" can still be fully pronounced as /ˈkæn/ when you want to emphasize it.

CAN'T

• 02:02 How to pronounce "can't" + IPA symbols /ˈkænt/

• 02:18 Stop t explained with examples: "bat" "cat" "mat" CAN vs. CAN'T

• 02:51 Comparing "can" and "can't"

• 03:10 Say "cannot" if it's too difficult to pronounce "can't"

• 03:40 Stress and intonation differences between "can" and "can't"

PRACTICE SENTENCES

• 04:30 Practice sentences for "can"

• 06:52 Practice sentences for "can't"

WORD COMPARISONS

• 07:58 Can't vs. ant/aunt /ˈænt/

• 08:40 Can't vs. canned /ˈkænd/

• 09:11 Can't vs. count /ˈkaʊnt/

VOCABULARY WORDS / PHRASES

• 05:30 Condescending

• 05:45 Neutral

• 07:30 "You are annoyed (with someone) / "Someone is bugging you."

I hope you enjoyed this lesson! Contact me if you have any questions or lesson requests, and be sure to download your free cheat sheet to all of the sounds of America English!