Pas encore — is it correct to have the liaison or not?

Question

I'm very confused about the pronunciation of *pas encore*. I've always thought it was said with the liaison since it follows the rule of an ending consonant before a word beginning with a vowel. However, I often hear native French speakers say it without the liaison.Which is correct? With or without the liaison? Or are they both correct? Do they have a different implied meaning or usage (personal/formal)?

Answer 1

It is correct for both. In Paris, especially, it is always almost pronounced without the liaison. I discovered this myself, after having most of my parisien friends correct me - as I had been using the liaison ! Although it is not incorrect to use the liaison, it is a marker of a different accent, perhaps southern French or Belgian - and if you are in Paris, you know that parisiens are VERY proud of their accent !

Answer 2

Hello Evelyn:

It is absolutely correct to pronounce the words "pas encore" with a liaison which sounds like a "Z."

Native French speakers just like American speakers will often shorten words in conversation and eliminate the liaison. This is usually just a verbal aberration since you most likely will never see the word "pahencore" in writing unless perhaps author wants you to "hear" it that way in your head for a particular context.

Hope this helps!