Assimilation
The process by which one sound becomes more like an adjacent sound, resulting in predictable modifications at word boundaries. Assimilation is a feature of natural, fluent speech.
Real World
BBC newsreaders naturally say 'tem minutes' instead of 'ten minutes' on air, with /n/ becoming /m/ before the bilabial /m/ — a regressive assimilation even trained speakers produce unconsciously.
Exam Focus
Label the direction (progressive or regressive) and name the specific sounds involved to access higher analytical marks.
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