To create pauses between words

To connect words without gaps for a smooth sound

To emphasize stressed words

It sounds fluent and natural to native speakers

It sounds choppy and strange to native speakers

It increases the length of the sentence

It changes the stress patterns of the words

Linking involves reducing words to make them shorter

Linking and reduction have no connection

Linking requires adding sounds to words

Linking and reduction both contribute to fluid speech without gaps

Avoid mimicking native speakers' speech patterns

Listen to different sources, imitate their linking and reduction, and practice regularly

Practice reducing stressed words in isolation

Watch videos of native speakers without practicing