Question

Which of the following is a feature of American English pronunciation?

• A. Non-rhoticity (dropping the /r/ sound)
• B. T-flapping (pronouncing /t/ like a soft /d/)
• C. Yod-retention in words like tune
• D. Syllable-timed rhythm

Answer 1

Answer:

B. T-flapping (pronouncing /t/ like a soft /d/)

T-flapping is a key feature of American English pronunciation, where the /t/ sound between two vowel sounds is pronounced like a soft /d/ (a "flap" sound).

Examples:

• Butter → Sounds like "budder" /ˈbʌɾɚ/

• Water → Sounds like "wader" /ˈwɑːɾɚ/

• City → Sounds like "ciddy" /ˈsɪɾi/

This occurs in General American English, but not in most British accents.