In this video, we’re focusing on the /ŋ/ sound at the end of the word, which can be represented in the spelling:

1. by the -ing ending: spring /sprɪŋ/

2. by -ng ending: song /sɑŋ/

WORDS TO PRACTICE

• going

• doing

• playing

• buying

• googling

• saying

• long

• amazing

• bring

• hang

• hung

• bringing

• hanging

• singing

But be careful: we’re talking about the pronunciation of [ŋ] at end of the word in these two situations. As you know, we only pronounce the [ŋ] without [k] or [g] here.

For more go to Exercise 2.

In other positions in a word, [ŋ] can occur before [k], [g] and the [k] and [g] sounds will be pronounced. In some of these words, you may be used to using [n] instead of [ŋ], so always make sure if your [n] shouldn’t in fact be [ŋ]:

So, step 1 of your [ŋ] pronunciation practice is to learn how to pronounce this sound on its own.

Step 2: pronounce it at the end of -ing and -ng words.

Step 3: pronounce it in other words in which it occurs and pronouncing the rest of the word correctly.

WORDS TO PRACTICE

• bank

• function

• link

• uncle

• think

• extinct

(When it doubt, check the phonetic transcription and listen to native pronunciation on your dictionary’s website).

What contracted forms do you know in English?

List any you can think of (out loud, of course).

Are there any more that you didn’t include in your list?

You can look up grammar contractions online and see which ones you might’ve missed.

Write a sentence or two using each of these contracted forms.

Read them out loud.

How does it feel to be using them? Are some forms easier for you than others?

Practice the most difficult ones by reading out loud and repeating any sentences or phrases you hear.

The more you do it, the easier they’ll become.

Remember that not all contracted forms are used in everyday English.

Just like not all grammar structures are used in modern English. I’d avoid using shan’t, for instance - unless you are a lawyer or an actor, you won’t use this.

You’re already a badass at reading phonetic symbols, so when in doubt, reach for a dictionary to check the pronunciation:

1. How’s that sound? How’d it go?

2. I want this but I won’t do that.

3. cats
   dogs
   boxes

4. creates
   dives
   catches

Pay attention to /ŋ/.

• She prints beautiful drawings.

• He sings the most heartbreaking songs.

• The way she dances is incredible.