widths

[Do228]

I find it hard to pronounce the "th" correctly when it's proceeded and followed by consonants.
I mean words like widths, lengths, etc.
Would people understand me if I just say "wids" or "lengds"? Or better replace the "th" with an "f" like some Englanders or Afro-Americans do it?

 

[Tdol]

I think that /f/ would be easier to understand.

 

[emsr2d2]

One of my Spanish students had the same problem. Initially, I got her to say "wit-th" (which is actually how it sounds when natives say "width" anyway), and then "lenk-th" (again, that's how it comes out from natives). Once she had mastered those, I got her to add the "s" at the end. Her final pronunciation wasn't perfect but it was certainly better than what she started with.
Note that with "wit-th", the first "t" is a sound at the back of the throat, almost a click, rather than with the tongue on the palate to start with.

 

[probus]

In America some speakers omit the d from widths and the g from lengths. What comes out is withs and lenths. I am not recommending this to learners. I am merely reporting what I have heard.