Something to think about

Speakers of American English sometimes give full stress to every word when they are angry or adamant.

Example: THIS PAPER WAS DUE ON MONDAY

If you have a tendency to stress every word and syllable equally, you might sound abrupt, angry, or impatient without meaning to.

Listen!

Listening Activity 1

Just as words have stressed and unstressed syllables, so do phrases and sentences.

Listen to, then record the word / phrase pairs below. In each pair, the rhythm pattern of the word is repeated in the phrase.

EXAMPLE: re JEC ted -- He WRECKED it.

• PLAY ALL: WORDS   --   PHRASES

• 1. engineer -- He was here.
• 2. overthrow -- In a row.
• 3. himself -- An elf.
• 4. convert (verb) -- He's hurt.
• 5. presented -- She sent it.
• 6. progressed -- The best.
• 7. permit (noun) -- Learn it.
• 8. volunteer -- She can hear.

If you did not hear the rhythm, use the Play All button at the top to listen again with your eyes closed.