English Word Stress: A Practical Pronunciation Guide

Word stress is often what makes a word immediately recognisable. If stress falls on the wrong syllable, even accurate individual sounds can be difficult to process.

What is word stress?

One syllable in a multi-syllable word is usually more prominent: TAble, beGIN, imPORtant, opporTUnity.

Unstressed vowels become weaker

English frequently reduces vowels in unstressed syllables. The common schwa /ə/ appears in words such as about /əˈbaʊt/.

Stress can change in word families

• PHOtograph
• phoTOGraphy
• photoGRAphic

Noun–verb patterns

• a REcord / to reCORD
• a PREsent / to preSENT
• an INcrease / to inCREASE

Five-minute practice

1. Choose five useful words.
2. Check stress in a reliable learner’s dictionary.
3. Mark the stressed syllable.
4. Say the word and then a full sentence.
5. Record and compare rhythm with a model.

Do not turn stress into shouting. Aim for natural prominence through length, clarity and rhythm.

Learn vocabulary and sound together: opporTU​nity, reSPONsible, deVELopment.