The Weak Word 'to'

by Vocafy Vérifié

Anglais (US) B1 15 questions Words & expressions

Discover how unstressed 'to' sounds in short American English sentences about everyday plans, actions, and expectations.

1. 1. Écoutez et saisissez la réponse.

   Keeping in touch with family.

   A short, unstressed word connects the two verbs.

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   • I need to call my sister.

   Here, 'to' often sounds like 'tuh' rather than the stronger 'too.'

2. 2. Écoutez et saisissez la réponse.

   Plans for the day.

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   • We plan to leave after lunch.

   'Plan to' describes an intention, not something that has already happened.

3. 3. Écoutez et saisissez la réponse.

   Shopping plans.

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   • She wants to buy a new bike.

   'Wants to' introduces an action someone would like to do.

4. 4. Écoutez et saisissez la réponse.

   A small mistake before leaving home.

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   • He forgot to bring his keys.

   'Forgot to' means a needed or intended action did not happen.

5. 5. Écoutez et saisissez la réponse.

   An evening decision.

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   • They decided to stay home tonight.

   'Decided to' shows that a choice has already been made.

6. 6. Écoutez et saisissez la réponse.

   A friendly invitation.

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   • Would you like to join us?

   'Would you like to' is a polite way to invite someone.

7. 7. Écoutez et saisissez la réponse.

   The reason for a short break.

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   • I went outside to get some air.

   'To get' explains the purpose of going outside.

8. 8. Écoutez et saisissez la réponse.

   Help with remembering a household task.

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   • Please remind me to lock the door.

   'Remind me to' asks someone to help you remember a future action.

9. 9. Écoutez et saisissez la réponse.

   A necessary change at work.

   Two words may sound closely joined.

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   • We have to move the meeting.

   'Have to' expresses a need or duty. In everyday speech, it can sound like 'haftuh.'

10. 10. Écoutez et saisissez la réponse.

    Learning a kitchen skill.

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    • She taught me to bake bread.

    'Taught me to' describes helping someone learn how to do something.

11. 11. Écoutez et saisissez la réponse.

    An effort to change a daily habit.

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    • I'm trying to spend less money.

    'Trying to' shows effort, but it does not promise success.

12. 12. Écoutez et saisissez la réponse.

    An impression of another person.

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    • He seems to know more than he says.

    'Seems to' presents an impression rather than a certain fact.

13. 13. Écoutez et saisissez la réponse.

    A problem with travel plans.

    Similar sounds can have different spellings.

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    • It's too late to change the tickets.

    'Too late' means the time for an action has passed. The later 'to' is usually unstressed.

14. 14. Écoutez et saisissez la réponse.

    Good news after a worrying situation.

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    • I was relieved to hear that everyone was safe.

    'Relieved' means no longer worried. The phrase after 'to' explains what caused that feeling.

15. 15. Écoutez et saisissez la réponse.

    An expected furniture delivery.

    The middle phrase may sound shorter in everyday speech.

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    • The store is supposed to deliver the couch by Friday.

    'Supposed to' describes what is expected, but does not guarantee it will happen.