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In language learning, reduction means shortening or softening sounds when we speak quickly – it’s what makes English sound smooth and natural. One really common example is when we say the phrase “I’m trying to.”
It usually sounds like, “I’m tryin’ uh.” “I’m tryin’ uh.”
There are three things happening here. First, I’m is pronounced as Ahm. Then, we drop the g of trying, so it sounds like try-in, and third we drop the T in the word TO and pronounce it as uh. Ahm try-in-uh. Here are some examples in context:
“I’m tryin’ uh finish this report.”
“I’m tryin’ uh get up earlier.”
And these days, “I’m tryin’ uh learn Japanese.”
It’s quick, relaxed, and totally natural – especially in everyday conversation and songs. You’ll hear this kind of reduction all the time in American English, like what we studied last Sunday: Lemme, gimme, and gemme. So next time you say I’m trying to, relax your mouth and let it flow: “I’m tryin’ uh.” That’s the rhythm of real American English.
FAQ
Question: Why do native speakers talk so quickly?
Answer: It’s not the speed, it’s more about the style of speaking, like when we use reductions like the ones discussed in this lesson.
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