We can divide a Word into syllables. A syllable is a vowel sound (shown in orange below) and the consonant sounds that go with it. So, for example, if a Word has three vowel sounds, it has three syllables.
Day /deɪ/ = One syllable
Friday /ˈfraɪdeɪ/ = Two syllables
Saturday /ˈsætədeɪ/ = Three syllables
If a word has more than one syllable, you give stress to one of the syllables.
We can show stress with circles: each circle is a syllable and the bigger circle show which syllable has the stress.
For example, Saturday is Ooo.
In phonemic spelling, the stress is shown by the symbol ˈ at the start of the stressed syllable: /ˈsætədeɪ/
When we stress syllables in words, we use a combination of different features. Experiment now with the word ‘computer’. Say it out loud. Listen to yourself. The second syllable of the three is stressed (oOo). What are you doing so that the listener can hear that stress?
A stressed syllable combines five features:
- It is l-o-n-g-e-r – com p-u-ter
- It is LOUDER – comPUTer
- It has a change in pitch from the syllables coming before and afterwards. The pitch of a stressed syllable is usually higher.
- It is said more clearly -The vowel sound is purer. Compare the first and last vowel sounds with the stressed sound.
- It uses larger facial movements – Look in the mirror when you say the word. Look at your jaw and lips in particular.
Some Rules for Word Stress
Here are some general tendencies for word stress in English:
| Word | Type of Word | Tendency | Exceptions |
|---|---|---|---|
| apple, table, happy | two-syllable nouns and adjectives | stress on the first syllable Oo apple | hotel, lagoon |
| suspect, import, insult | words which can be used both as nouns and verbs | the noun has stress on the first syllable Oo “You are the suspect.” The verb has stress on the second syllable oO “I suspect you! | respect, witness |
| hairbrush, football, | compound nouns | stronger stress on the first syllable Oo hairbrush |
Task 16A
Now choose the correct stress pattern for each of the following two-syllable words:
Stress in Longer Words
We can build longer words by adding parts to the beginning or end of shorter words. Usually this does not change the stress; it stays on the same syllable as in the original word.
For example:
Forget oO
Forgetful oOo
Here is a list of beginnings and endings which do not change the stress of the shorter word:
-able (drinkable)
-al (musical)
-er (player)
-ful (helpful)
-hood (childhood)
In-/im- (impossible)
-ing (boring)
-ise (civilise)
-ish (childish)
-less (childless)
-ly (friendly)
-ment (employment)
ness (happiness)
-ship (friendship)
Un- (unhappy)
Under- (underpay)
However, some endings do change the stress in the shorter word. Listen and look at how the ending –ion changes the stress in the word educate.
Educate Ooo
Education ooOo
When we add the endings –ion or –ian, the stress always moves to the syllable before these endings. Here are some examples:
Electric – Electrician
oOo – ooOo
Decorate – Decoration
Ooo – ooOo
Task 16B
Now choose the correct word stress pattern for each of the following words:
