When two clear vowels sounds occur together, we need a “bridge” sound to get from one to the other. Those sounds are glides – “w” or “y.” These sounds also occur with impure vowels such as in “sound” (ow) or “skate” (ey). In the words below, determine if you hear a “y” or a “w” and mark where you hear it in the word.
Practice the conversation below with your partner. Be sure to insert the “y” or “w” sound where needed.
A: You’re being awfully quiet. What are you doing?
B: I’m figuring out my taxes. I’m using this multiplier on my computer. It’s really convenient.
A: I’m unmarried, so my taxes are a snap*. I file as an individual. Then, I take a European vacation with my tax refund.
B: That would be very agreeable to me! But I have four children, so the cruel reality for me is that my tax refund goes straight into their education funds.
A: Well, it may not be as agreeable but it is very valuable.
to be a snap* -- to be simple/easy