What is the term for the omission of a sound in connected speech, often after similar sounds such as t + d?

• A. Elision
• B. Assimilation
• C. Liaison
• D. Elide

Answer: (A)

Elision is the act of omitting a sound in connected speech. When we talk quickly, sounds in a row often get dropped to keep the flow smooth, especially when similar consonants meet, like a t and a d. A common everyday example is saying “and then” as “an’ then,” where the d is left out. This distinguishes elision from assimilation (where a sound changes to resemble a neighbor) and from liaison (which adds linking sounds in some languages). The verb form would be elide, but the noun describing the omission is elision.