Word Stress & Weak/Strong Forms

Understanding Word Stress

Word stress refers to the emphasis placed on certain syllables within a word. In English, some syllables are pronounced louder, longer, and at a higher pitch than others. This is called stressed syllables, while the less emphasized ones are unstressed syllables.

Examples of Word Stress

• Record (noun): The stress is on the first syllable: RE-cord
• Record (verb): The stress is on the second syllable: re-CORD
• Present (noun): The stress is on the first syllable: PRE-sent
• Present (verb): The stress is on the second syllable: pre-SENT

Weak and Strong Forms

In English, some words have both weak and strong forms, depending on whether they are stressed in a sentence. These are often function words like prepositions, conjunctions, and auxiliary verbs.

Examples of Weak and Strong Forms

• Can:
  • Weak form: /kən/ (e.g., "I can go.")
  • Strong form: /kæn/ (e.g., "Yes, I can!")
• Of:
  • Weak form: /əv/ (e.g., "A cup of tea.")
  • Strong form: /ɒv/ (e.g., "It’s made of gold.")
• To:
  • Weak form: /tə/ (e.g., "I want to go.")
  • Strong form: /tuː/ (e.g., "I have to do it.")