Please double-click on the English subtitles below to play the video.
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This video on the pronunciation of “the” is the
best. The number one most common word in American
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English has two different pronunciations. Either
the schwa, [ðə], when the next word begins with a
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consonant, the best, [ðə]. Or the [i] vowel when
the next word begins with a vowel or diphthong,
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the absolute best, [ði]. Notice these words should
be said really quickly. It's not [ðʌ], the best,
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or [ði], the absolute best. But it's [ði], [ði],
the absolute best. And here's a tip for that TH,
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you don't need to bring your tongue tip
all the way through since the word should
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be so fast. Just press it against
the backs of the teeth, the best.
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