English with Kim Sentence Stress in American English
English with Kim Sentence Stress in American English explains how stressing content words creates the rhythm of spoken English, on the pronunciation site of Kim, an American accent and communication coach. The article sets out the difference between content and function words, works through three example sentences, and ends with two ways to practice. A video runs alongside the text.
100% Free (unlimited): Open to anyone with no account and no payment. The video, the full written article, the lists of content and function words and the worked example sentences are all on the page.
How It Helps Your Business English
The article treats stress as length, volume and pitch together: a stressed word is longer, louder and higher. It lists what counts as a content word and what counts as a function word, then takes three ordinary sentences and marks the stressed words in capitals. A closing section explains that the beat falls on the stressed words, whatever the word count between them.
Say each example sentence twice, once reading every word evenly and once with only the capitalized words stressed, so you hear the difference the rhythm makes. Then take a written text of your own, mark the words you think carry the meaning, and read it aloud. Move to a short audio clip with a transcript once marking written text feels easy.
ESLBusiness.com earns no commission if you upgrade to a paid plan.