Word Stress

• English is considered a stressed language (as opposed to syllabic) 

• Certain words are stressed while other words are spoken very quickly 

• Stressed words are LOUDER, LONGER and AT A HIGHER PITCH

• Example: the modal verb "can".
• When we use the positive form of "can" we quickly glide over the can and it is hardly pronounced.

• When we use the negative form "can't" we  stress the the negative

• "They can't come to the party" is longer than "They can come to the party" because "can't" is stressed

This video gives a further explanation and some practice questions:

Sentences have different meanings based on the word you stress. Consider the meaning of the following sentences with the stressed word in bold.

I don't think he should get the job.

I don't think he should get the job.

I don't think he should get that job.

I don't think he should get that job.

I don't think he should get that job.

I don't think he should get that job.

I don't think he should get that job.

Now, match the sentence version to the meaning in the sentence below.

1. I said she might consider a new haircut.

2. I said she might consider a new haircut.

3. I said she might consider a new haircut.

4. I said she might consider a new haircut.

5. I said she might consider a new haircut.

6. I said she might consider a new haircut.

7. I said she might consider a new haircut.

Meanings:

1. Don´t you understand me?
2. It´s a possibility
3. It was my idea
4. Not another person
5. Not something else
6. Not just a haircut
7. She should think about it. It’s a good idea.

Conversation Exercise: Write down three sentences each. 

With a partner, read each of them aloud, stressing a different word each time.

Discuss how the meaning of the sentence changes.

Answers to the word stress exercise:

1.      I said she might consider a new haircut.
It was my idea.

2.      I said she might consider a new haircut.
Don't you understand me?

3.      I said she might consider a new haircut.
Not another person.

4.      I said she might consider a new haircut.
It's a possibility.

5.      I said she might consider a new haircut.
She should think about it. it's a good idea.

6.      I said she might consider a new haircut.
Not just a haircut.

7.      I said she might consider a new haircut.
Not something else.