In English, the past tense suffix is pronounced as [-t] in verbs like slapped, missed, and faked. However, it is pronounced as [-d] in verbs like danced, killed, smeared, gazed, banned, and nabbed. What is the reason for this?

Question

Azul Powers

English

4 February, 08:50

In English, the past tense suffix is pronounced as [-t] in verbs like slapped, missed, and faked. However, it is pronounced as [-d] in verbs like danced, killed, smeared, gazed, banned, and nabbed. What is the reason for this?

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Answers (1)

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Karsyn Watson · Answer 1

It has to do with voicing assimilation (voiced sounds vs, unvoiced sounds at the end of the word stem.) before the suffix is added.

Explanation:

Ex ...

'P' is a voiced consonant (with your hand in front of your mouth, you feel a puff of air on your hand), so it's phonologically easier (more natural) to say a '-t' sound immediately afterward.

'N,' in contrast has no puff of air, so it's a voiceless sound.