Are you looking to improve your spoken English and sound more native? You need to be using reductions!

Reductions are words like “gonna” which are not real words but are used in TV, movies, music, literature, and in conversations among native English speakers.

Knowing reductions greatly helps your English comprehension as well!

Try these 11 common reductions in your next English conversation:

Note: these are not used in written English, only in spoken English.

And = n

In spoken English the word “and” is often reduced to the sound , n….

I would to visit both Norway n Sweden.

I really enjoy coffee n cookies.

You need to learn to read n write.

You = ya

Do ya like Korean food?

Do ya wanna come over tonight?

Are ya gonna work today?

(Notice there is also…Wanna=Want to and Gonna=Going to)

Wants to = wantsta

He wantsta go out.

She wantsta start English lessons.

Molly wantsta travel this summer.

Want to = wanna

I wanna go to the movies.

I wanna learn how to play the guitar.

Do you wanna come with us to the beach?

Gonna – Going to

She’s gonna visit her grandparents next weekend.

What are you gonna do after work today?

I’m gonna meet my friend later.

Gimme – Give me

Gimme a minute, I’ll be right back.

Gimme a moment to think about it.

Gimme a hand with these groceries, please.

Kinda – Kind of

It’s kinda cold in here.

It’s kinda tricky to explain, but I’ll try.

I feel kinda hungry; let’s grab a snack.

Sorta – Sort of

I’m sorta tired after the long day.

The movie was sorta boring, to be honest.

I’m sorta interested in learning a new language.

Lemme – Let me

Lemme know if you need any help.

Lemme know if you need any information.

Lemme check my schedule and get back to you.

Could’ve – Could have

I could’ve finished the work earlier.

I could’ve sworn I left my keys on the table.

She could’ve finished the project earlier if she had more time.

Shoulda – Should have

You shoulda called me yesterday.

You shoulda told me about the change in plans.

I shoulda studied more for the exam.

So next time you’re speaking English, try to use these and lemme know how it goes! 😉 (lemme=let me)