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Curious Question #5 – Pronunciation: Can vs. Can’t
Advanced #Pronunciation
Curious Questions

Curious Question #5 – Pronunciation: Can vs. Can’t

Release Date: 30 Apr, 2008

Today we’re going to look at a question about pronunciation. Our dear listener, David from Greece, asked us a great question.  “I am having a difficult time telling the difference between can’t and can. Their meanings are totally opposite of each other. Help me better understand the pronunciation. Please give tips and examples of sentences using can’t and can.”

In this episode, we explain a lot about the difference between the positive can and the negative can’t. The best advice is to practice by saying it yourself and by paying extra attention when you hear can or can’t being used. We usually can hear the small difference when someone says the T at the end of can’t and makes the word negative. The tone of voice is another clue to whether can or can’t was used. In a positive sentence the voice and tone generally raise, or go up, at the end of the sentence. In a negative sentence the voice and tone generally go down at the end. The tone of voice can help us determine if the speaker said can or can’t.

Expressions included in the study guide

  • Can vs. Can’t
  • Slang with Can
  • The can-can
  • Canned food.

Copyright: Audio/Study Guide: Culips

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

~6 minutes
Curious Question #5 – Pronunciation: Can vs. Can’t
#Pronunciation Advanced
Curious Questions

Curious Question #5 – Pronunciation: Can vs. Can’t

Release Date: 30 Apr, 2008
~6 minutes

Today we’re going to look at a question about pronunciation. Our dear listener, David from Greece, asked us a great question.  "I am having a difficult time telling the difference between can’t and can. Their meanings are totally opposite of each other. Help me better understand the pronunciation. Please give tips and examples of sentences using can’t and can." In this episode, we explain a lot about the difference between the positive can and the negative can’t. The best advice is to practice by saying it yourself and by paying extra attention when you hear can or can’t being used. We usually can hear the small difference when someone says the T at the end of can’t and makes the word negative. The tone of voice is another clue to whether can or can’t was used. In a positive sentence the voice and tone generally raise, or go up, at the end of the sentence. In a negative sentence the voice and tone generally go down at the end. The tone of voice can help us determine if the speaker said can or can’t.

Expressions included in the study guide

  • Can vs. Can't
  • Slang with Can
  • The can-can
  • Canned food.
Copyright: Audio/Study Guide: Culips

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Culips is podcast for English language learners who want to get awesome at English. We think it is important to learn English how it is really spoken and that’s why our lessons are always focused on real, current English. Learn to speak like a native and understand everything with Culips!  Test
Culips is really different than other English courses and podcasts. Our hosts are kind, funny, and professional. Our podcasts and lessons are designed to help you become fluent in conversational, North American English.  Here are some things you might not know about our hosts:
  • They are Canadian and American
  • Have master’s degrees and work in professions related to English education (Andrew is a university English professor, Suzanne is a pronunciation coach and voice actor, and Morag is a writer).
  • Actively study second languages as adults. Our team understands the ups and downs of studying foreign languages as adults who live busy lives.
At Culips, we make English understandable through our five different series: Chatterbox Listen to real English conversations between native speakers as we talk about current events, share funny stories, or interview fascinating guests. Become a fluent listener, get exposure to Western culture, and learn the ins and outs of natural English conversations all at the same time. Catch Word Learn natural English expressions, idioms, and phrasal verbs. We teach you everyday English vocabulary that native speakers actually use. Sound like a native speaker with Catch Word. Simplified Speech Do you get stressed out by English? Do native speakers talk too fast? Don’t worry! We’re here to help. In Simplified Speech, we use 100% natural English, but we speak more slowly than we do in our everyday lives. This series is great for all levels of learners but is specifically designed with high beginner-intermediate students in mind. Real Talk In our In our Real Talk series we teach you the practical English you need know when visiting or living in an English speaking country. Each episode examines a specific situation such as ordering at a restaurant, renting an apartment, or getting a refund. Speak Easy Speak Easy is the show that teaches you how to pronounce English the way native speakers do. Learn tips and tricks that will make your English pronunciation clear and understandable with Speak Easy.
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