Sentence Stress Overview
When we discuss rhythm, what do we mean?
We are talking about the pattern of stressed and unstressed words in sentences.
Every language has its own rhythm, or beat.
Clap the beat that this pattern makes:
Clap the beat that this pattern makes:
Which pattern represents the rhythm of your language? Which pattern represents the rhythm of English?
Now, imagine an imaginary line that exists when people speak with each other.
"I went to the park."
went park.
______________________
I to the
Native English speakers listen for the words "live" above this imaginary line. This tells the listener which words are the most important. The words "went" and "park" are stressed words and carry the most meaning in this sentence.
Pronunciation Note:
Speakers of American English sometimes give full stress to every word when they are angry or adamant.
Example: I WANT TO GO TO THE PARK.
If you have a tendency to stress every word and syllable equally, you might sound abrupt, angry or impatient without meaning to.