Why do some pronounce the T in often?

In often, the \t\ came back via a spelling-influenced pronunciation in the 1600s, as both literacy and printing expanded rapidly in England. A person who uses this pronunciation would almost certainly be able to read. The medial \t\ dropped out of many common words formed with -en, but came back in often.

What percentage of people pronounce the T in often?

5 Answers. In 1988, research by J. C. Wells for the Longman Pronunciation Dictionary showed that only 27\% of British English speakers pronounce the “t”. Subsequently, 1993 research showed that only 22\% of Americans pronounce the “t”.

Is often pronounced with at?

A: The word “often” can be pronounced with a silent “t” (the more common pronunciation) or with an audible “t.” How “correct” is the second pronunciation? That depends on the dictionary you consult. Both are correct, according to The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language (4th ed.).

Why is the “T” silent in many words?

A: The short answer is that the “t” in many words is silent because it’s too difficult or awkward to pronounce and has become assimilated into the surrounding consonants. Let’s start with a little etymology.

Why is the T in “often” pronounced with a T?

As you might guess, the t was pronounced in the past, when the word began as a variant of oft (also spelled ofte in Middle English), which was the more common form until the 1500s. Oft is now archaic for most of the senses of often, but is still used in compound adjectives like oft-repeated and oft-quoted.

Why is the “t” sound in “considerable breath” silent?

As Bright explains, the “t” in these words is an acoustically “explosive” one, and to sound it after an “s” or an “f”—both of which expend “considerable breath”—is “especially difficult and obscure.” Consequently the “t” sound is assimilated into its surroundings and becomes silent. However,…

What is the correct pronunciation of ȮF-tən?

The pronunciation (ȯf-tən), which is not recognized in dictionaries, is now frequent in the south of England, and is often used in singing. The pronunciation ȯf-tən, until recently generally considered as more or less illiterate, is not uncommon among the educated in some sections, and is often used in singing.