Syllable Stress Shifts

STRESS versus EMPHASIS

In spoken English people use the word "stress" for two things. In English classes, most teachers will distinguish between Syllable Stress, which is necessary to be understood clearly, and Word Emphasis, which emphasizes meaning and affects our fluency and rhythm and is also something that is rather universal in all languages.

THE PRINCIPLE of STRESS

There is more to accurately pronouncing the correct word form than simply stressing the correct syllable. Unstressed vowels typically, but not always, become a schwa. Thus, vowels can change with stress shifts.

PHRASAL NOUNS

Nouns can be made out of phrasal verbs as well. Note that they are written as one word, but follow the same stress shift as regular nouns and verbs.

NOUN VERB

‘HANGout hang ‘OUT

‘WASHout wash ‘OUT

Note nouns are written as one word, while the verbs are separated and may have nouns and pronouns between the verb and particle. See Phrasal Verbs page for more.

EXERCISES

Heterophonic Homographs

PRACTICE SENTENCES

I did not suspect the suspect because the court was going to permit his permit.
It won't be difficult to convict an ex-convict.
However, the advocate was willing to advocate for him.
The judge demanded that they record his record though.
He had to be present to receive his present.
The protest was going to protest the convert who wanted to convert.
The insult did not insult him as much the torment would torment him.