A โtโ is commonly made silent when in words with โsten, -ften, and โstle. For example:
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- Glisten
- Listen
- Whistle
- Thistle
- Wrestle
- Castle
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However, there are words which can be pronounced with both a silent or pronounced โtโ. Such as:
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- Soften
- Often
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In words where the โtโ is paired with โchโ, we do actually pronounce it, but not strongly. You can notice your tongue touch the roof of your mouth when saying words with the โtchโ sound. This happens when the soft, but not silent โtโ is pronounced. Try watching yourself when saying these words:
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- Watch
- Butcher
- Fetch
- Match
- Itch
- Hatch
- Sketch