Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

ptitange · Joined: 03 Dec 2005 Posts: 39 Location: Belgium

Hi everyone,

When I was still a student, my teachers told me not to pronounce the 't' in the word 'often'. I went to Canada a few weeks ago to visit a friend and I was surprised to notice that my friend always says ofTen. He told me it sounds weird to him when people don't pronounce the 't' in that word.

So, what do you think about that? Would you pronounce the 't' or not?

Thanks in advance for your response Smile

Hayde · Joined: 23 Oct 2005 Posts: 177 Location: Icheon, Korea

Hi,
I'm from Canada and I tend to pronounce my 'Ts' most of the time. For example kitten, mountain, mitten, often. Every so often I don't, especially when I am am trying to say a sentence quickly. I always pronounce the 't' when I give a one or two word answer.
I don't know why your teacher said that, I am assuming he/she just didn't realize it was right (though I don't know why they wouldn't know that), because both are correct. I am assuming you are used to saying it without the 't', so don't bother changing. That is fine. But with the 't' is also correct.

http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/often

BTW, where in Canada did you go? Smile

Hayde

ptitange · Joined: 03 Dec 2005 Posts: 39 Location: Belgium

OK, thanks very much Hayde! Mr. Green

I spent 5 weeks in Vancouver with a friend I met on a language website. Like I said in another thread, Vancouver is the most beautiful city I've seen so far. I'll definitely go back there in the future Smile

Hayde · Joined: 23 Oct 2005 Posts: 177 Location: Icheon, Korea

Oh, I went to Vancouver/Victoria for 5 days for a friend's wedding once. But I didn't really have time to really see it. I also went to Whistler mountain but it was summer time. I would love to move or retire there sometime. I am from the east coast (New Brunswick). The winters are much better!!! Belgium to Vancouver, that must have been a long flight Smile

ptitange · Joined: 03 Dec 2005 Posts: 39 Location: Belgium

Oh yes, it was. I first had to go to London, wait a few hours there and then fly to Vancouver. The second flight lasted about 10 hours Shocked

My back and legs hurt so much at the end Crying or Very sad

I also went to Whistler because my friend's parents have a house there too. It's a very nice place. I went up the Whistler mountain too and took some very nice pictures Very Happy

I really have excellent memories of my trip.

erracht · Joined: 06 Dec 2005 Posts: 3

I am Canadian, from Toronto. I think I am used to saying "OFF-n", though I think I have heard/have said "OFF-tn" too. I recommend "OFF-n". You can�t go wrong with it.