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Table of Contents
What is stress?
Stress in speech is like putting a spotlight on a particular syllable or word to make it stand out and sound more important. However, it does not function alone; it is part of what we call “supra-segmental features,” meaning it depends on other elements and does not have its own identity. So, stress is all about giving extra emphasis to a specific part of what you’re saying, making it more prominent in your speech.
Types of Stress:
In English, stress applies to both words and sentences, leading to the categorization of two types of stress:
- word stress and
- sentence stress.
A. Word stress:
English words with multiple syllables have a fixed stress pattern marked by stress markers, and this phonemic stress can alter a word’s meaning. The examples are:
| Noun (The first syllable is being stressed) | Verb (The second syllable is being stressed) |
| ‘Object | Ob’ject |
| ‘Permit | Per’mit |
| ‘Conduct | Con’duct |
Word stress can be categorized into two main types: Primary stress (Strong) and Secondary stress (Weak).
- Primary stress: Primary stress is strong and heavy, marked by a vertical stroke on the upper left-hand corner of a syllable. For instance, in the word “university,” it is denoted as /ˌjuː.nɪˈvɜːsɪ.ti/.
- Secondary stress: It is denoted by a vertical stroke in the lower left corner of a syllable, is emphasized but remains subordinate to the primary stress. For instance, in the word “contribution,” it is represented as /ˌkɒn.trɪˈbjuːʃn/ or /kon.tri’bju:fn/.
B. Sentence stress:
In English, rhythm is considered at both the word and sentence levels. Sentences consist of two types of words: content words and structure words. Content words carry essential information and are therefore stressed and on the other hand structure words – which are not stressed.
For instance, in the sentence “She is going to the market,” “she” and “market” are content words and are stressed.
Rules for stress:
English words all have a fixed stress placement that is crucial for proper communication. If stress is misplaced, it can change the word’s meaning and lead to confusion. While the stress placement in English words can be complex, there are certain rules to follow for clear pronunciation and understanding.
To keep it simple, remember:
- Each word has its stress spot.
- Don’t change it; it messes up the word’s shape.
- Follow some rules to stress correctly.
A. Rules for Simple and Complex words:
- Stress on the first syllable
In most two syllable nouns and adjectives, the first syllable takes on the stress.
Example:- Noun: PRESent, EXport, CHIna, TAble, etc.
- Adjective: PRESent, SLENder, CLEVer, HAPpy, etc.
- Stress on the last syllable
In most two syllable verbs and prepositions, the stress is on the second syllable.
Example: preSENT, exPORT, deCIDE, beGIN
- Stress on the penultimate syllable (penultimate = second from end)
Put stress on the second syllable from the end of the word with words ending in ic, sion, and tion.
Examples: iCONic, GRAPHic, hyperTENsion, teleVIsion, nuTRItion, reveLAtion.
- On ante-penultimate syllable (Stress on the third from end syllable)
Put stress on the third from end syllable with words that end in cy, ty, phy, gy and al.
Examples: deMOcracy, geOGraphy, ALlergy, NAUtical, CLArity, CRItical.
B. Rules for Compound words:
- For nouns, the stress is on the first part: BLACKbird, GREENhouse.
- For adjectives, the stress is on the second part: Old-FASHioned, ten-MEter.
- For verbs, the stress is on the second part: underSTAND, overFLOW.
In conclusion, stress is a part of supra-segmental features for being dependent on others. There are two primary forms of stress that operate at both the word and sentence levels. In English, stress placement follows certain rules that should not be changed under any circumstances.
