Word stress is one of the fastest ways to sound clearer in English. The wrong syllable can hide a word you already know. This episode continues that work with more examples you can practice out loud.
What a word-stress mistake sounds like
English words have one strong syllable. That syllable is longer and a little louder. If you stress the wrong one, a listener may hear a different word, or no word at all. Noun and verb pairs often flip: REcord the noun, reCORD the verb. Listen for that flip in the episode.
How to catch the stressed syllable
Say the word slowly. Tap on each syllable. Then say it again with only one tap on the strong beat. If you are not sure, listen to a native model and tap with them. Pair this with common English reductions so the rest of the sentence still moves.
How to practice this week
Pick five words you use at work. Mark the stressed syllable. Say each one three times, then put it in a sentence. Daily work like these pronunciation tips is enough to start.
If you want guided practice on word stress, start a free trial at pronunciationpro.com/trial/.
