Flap T
The quick D-like sound
What is a Flap T?
When a /t/ sound comes between two vowel sounds (or after an /r/ before a vowel), it is pronounced as a quick, soft /d/ sound. This is called a "flap" or "tap" - the tongue quickly taps the roof of the mouth. It is what makes "ladder" and "latter" sound nearly identical.
When to flap
A T becomes a flap when it is between two vowel sounds and the second vowel is unstressed. The same thing happens when T follows an R before a vowel. Examples: water, party.
Practice words with Flap T
Classic flap T
TT becomes a flap
TT in a common word
T between vowels
T after R before a vowel
T in a consonant cluster
TT with dark L
TT with dark L
Medial T in a longer word
T before a schwa
TT with -ing
T before -ing
T after R
Medial T after R
Exceptions - no flap here
T starts a stressed syllable
T starts a stressed syllable
T starts a stressed syllable
Practice sentences
Put a little butter on the better water bottle.
The city party was pretty exciting.
I'm waiting for the meeting at the computer.
Thirty pretty bottles of water for the party.
A little later, we'll have butter on the table.