STRESS is PARAMOUNT IN COMMUNICATION

Stress is crucial for understanding and communication:

Word stress

&

sentence stress

In fact, the meaning and function of a word is signaled by stress: the same word can be noun/adjective or verb according to stress.

            Nouns & Adjetives are generally stressed on the first syllable.

            Verbs are stressed on the second syllable

What is Sentence Stress?

Words in a sentence are not all given the same salience in oral English. Some words are picked out and are stressed in contrast to others. The one that is the most stressed is said to receive the sentence stress. This usually implies differences in meaning. In the following sentences, the sentence stress is indicated in bold case. Consider the difference in meaning for each of these scenarios.