Pronunciation · lesson 19 of 24 · free

Sentence stress — English pronunciation practice

In a sentence, the important words — nouns, main verbs, adjectives, numbers — are stressed. The small grammar words (a, the, of, to, is, can, my) are said quickly between them. This gives English its rhythm: I WANT a CUP of TEA.

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How to say it

Stress the words that carry meaning — “nouns, main verbs and adjectives are strong; small grammar words are quick”

  1. Find the content words: the ones you would keep in a text message (WANT, CUP, TEA).
  2. Say them strongly; say the grammar words quickly and lightly.
  3. Keep a steady beat on the stressed words.

Use it for: Reading aloud, speeches and conversation — it makes you easier to follow.

Worked example: In “I want a cup of tea.” which word is NOT stressed (said quickly)? → I

  1. The content words are want, cup and tea.
  2. “I” is a small grammar word, so it is said quickly.

Check: i WANT a CUP of TEA ✓

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✏️ Practice

Listen (🔊) or read, then tap your choice. Say each word aloud after you check. Stuck? Press “Show me how”.

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🏁 Lesson 19 test

20 questions. Check each answer, then go to the next one. Get 16 or more right to pass.

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🖨️ Sentence Stress Worksheet

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