Clear pronunciation is more than just sounds

Knowing which syllables to stress when is vital for speaking clarity.

English is a stress-timed language. This means some syllables are louder and longer while others are shortened, reduced or deleted.

These stress patterns affect words and sentences and can change meaning.

They’re unconscious for native speakers.

And they affect how listeners understand speakers from other language backgrounds.

Saying clothes as two syllables – instead of one – doesn’t sound natural.

Saying today is my birthday where every syllable has the same length and force doesn’t sound natural.

Saying t’DAYz my BIRTHday does sound natural.

Here to is reduced, day is emphasised, is is contracted and birth is emphasised.

Stress patterns help make meaning and the music of English.

Does the way you use stress patterns make understanding easy for your listeners?