Pronunciation Reduction Gonna

 

One of the most commonly reduced sounds is going to, which becomes gonna. Gonna is a common sound that you will hear native English speakers use all of the time. This is another function in what is called connected speech. It is important to learn how to listen for this reduction, while also understanding that this is informal instead of formal English. It is always best to speak clearly and fluently, using formal English whenever possible.

Gonna is pronounced as a two syllable word, with the first syllable receiving the accent. It is pronounced as “gaw nuh” and also as “guh nuh”. The second pronunciation receives no stress on either of the syllables. It includes the schwa sound in both pronunciations.

To practice this, repeat the following sentence slowly three times:

• I am going to go now.
• I am going to go now.
• I am going to go now.

Next, repeat the same sentence, but faster and with the gonna pronunciation reduction:

• I am gonna go now.
• I am gonna go now.
• I am gonna go now.

If you contracted the first part of the sentence, it would further be reduced to:
I’m gonna go now.

Here are a few more examples of the gonna reduction:

• Who is going to sleep? Who’s gonna sleep?
• She is going to help. She’s gonna help.
• He is going to see Jenny. He’s gonna see Jenny.
• I am going to do it. I’m gonna do it. I’m gonna dowit.

With the last sentence the last two words link together as well. This is just a further example of connected speech. Continue to listen for this reduction to improve your listening and comprehension skills. Keep in mind this is considered informal English. Are you gonna practice this skill?