Renê
Can versus can't

Hello, happy new year, I've noticed that native english speaker using ''can'' and ''can't'' with the same pronunciation, how can I understand this and use as well.

Thanks.

Dec 31, 2015 2:41 PM
Comments · 4
2


I have a London accent so I don't have this problem!  However, here are some ideas:

 

a) pay attention to the context - which one makes more sense?

b) what is the feeling? positive or negative?

c) try to identify the /t/ sound at the end - sometimes it is like the airflow has suddenly stopped in the throat

 

 

December 31, 2015
2

Don't worry if someone speaks fast and you can't hear exactly if it's supposed to be <em>can </em>or <em>can't. </em>It's normal to ask people to repeat and emphasize on which word they're saying.

 

I agree with Stephanie. If you're familiar with IPA, I usually hear <em>can </em>being spoken with the ə sound (like the 'a' in 'about') in American English. <em>Can't </em>sounds more like the word <em>can </em>(the tin container, not the verb) or <em>tan</em>.

December 31, 2015
2
I understand your trouble, Rene.  Even as native speakers, sometimes we still need to clarify.  I hope I can help a little.  As an auxiliary verb, in the affirmative, it is generally not emphasized or stressed. Unstressed, it will sound like /kin/ in a sentence spoken at normal speed. "I can help  you with that" here "can" will sound like /kin/ with a very soft pronunciation of the n.  Before a vowel you may hear the n link with the next word as in "I can understand you."   However, in the negative, you will hear more of the -an, and it will sound longer.  "I can't help you".  But you will still not hear the -t clearly until the verb precedes a vowel as in this example: I can't understand you.  I hope this helps. 
December 31, 2015
1

for can: a little bit longer, a little smoother, versus can't, can't: a little shorter, a little bit more abrupt

http://rachelsenglish.com/pronounce-can-vs-cant/ ;

December 31, 2015
Renê
Language Skills
English, Portuguese
Learning Language
English
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