Word Stress Patterns in English
In multi-syllable words the stress falls on one of the syllables while the other syllables tend to be spoken over quickly. This leads to sounds that are not clear (muted) on unstressed syllables. In order to improve your pronunciation, focus on pronouncing the stressed syllable clearly. However, don't be afraid to "mute" (not say clearly) the other unstressed vowels. You may use these examples, or may feel the specific need of coming up with some of your own examples, based on the level and requirements of your students.
Listen to these specific examples:
PersonNEL
TOtally
InDUstrial
ToMAto
FanTAstic
Unstressed syllables keep the correct sound, but sound muted. Sometimes, unstressed vowels become a schwa sound - like a soft "uh" sound.
Listen to these specific examples:
Little
Repeat
Tomato
At other times, the vowel is pronounced but not stressed.
Listen to these specific examples:
Industrial
Noisily
With this in mind, here are the eight common word stress patterns in English.
One Syllable - Stressed
All one syllable words have the stress on the one syllable. The intonation should go down. Listen to the general pattern.
EAT
DRINK
SIGN
WELL
Two Syllable - First Syllable Stressed
Listen to the general pattern and these specific examples:
GIant
PICture
HEAting
Two Syllable - Second Syllable Stressed
Listen to the general pattern and these specific examples:
toDAY
aHEAD
aLLOW
Three Syllable - First Syllable Stressed
Listen to the general pattern and these specific examples:
ENergy
Operate
ORganize
Three Syllable - Second Syllable Stressed
Listen to the general pattern and these specific examples:
meMORial
aSSUMPtion
caNAdian
Three Syllable - Third Syllable Stressed
Listen to the general pattern and these specific examples:
employEE
japanESE
voluntEER
Four Syllable - Second Syllable Stressed
Listen to the general pattern and these specific examples:
psyCHOLogy
eVAporate
cerTIficate
Four Syllable - Third Syllable Stressed
Listen to the general pattern and these specific examples:
poliTIcian
indiVIdual
repuTAtion
For reference on the title click here.
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