When English speakers talk they emphasize the content and focus words in a sentence. That’s because these words are the most important for meaning. Function words are said quickly because these words, while needed for structure, are not always key to meaning.
In spoken English each sentence or phrase contains:
A Focus word-the most important word
Content words-very important for meaning
Function words-not important for meaning
Content Words and Focus Words
The most important words in English sentences are content words and focus words. Content and focus words are pronounced a bit louder and with a higher pitch than the other words in a sentence.
Content words are usually nouns, main verbs, adjectives, adverbs, question words, negatives and numbers. The focus word is usually, but not always, the last content word in a thought group or phrase.
Look at the example sentences below and read them aloud emphasizing the content and focus words. Stressed syllables are capitalized.
1. SUsan is HAPpy with her poSItion.
2. She teaches ENGlish at the UniVERsity.
In longer sentences, there is a focus word in each phrase or thought group.
3. If you PLAN to become a TEAcher, you need to have exPERience with REsearch.
Function Words
The unstressed words in a sentence are called function words. Function words are important to the grammatical structure of a sentence and they are pronounced quickly with a reduced pitch.
Stressing Function Words
In certain situations, speakers may choose to stress a function word rather than a content or focus word. For example, when someone presents you a with a choice and you want to choose both items, you should stress the structure word.
Student A: Are you taking phiLOsophy or linGUIStics?
Student B: Actually I’m taking phiLOsophy AND linGUIStics?
If you can emphasize the content and focus words in a sentence, while reducing the function words, your spoken English will be easier for native speakers to understand.
Susan Ryan is an American English pronunciation teacher and accent reduction coach. She currently lives in South Florida. Read more articles by Susan at http://www.confidentvoice.com/blog/
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