Speech Training: English Word Stress

As if we weren't stressed enough, now we have to think about how our words are stressed too! Word stress is a very important part of the English language and varies among different types of English. If you flip back and forth between CNN and BBC you'll notice the differences in word stress in words like controversy (US) and controversy (UK), laboratory (US) and laboratory (UK) and many others.

Normally non-native English speakers are much better at understanding the different varieties of English word stress. It's the native speakers that have issues with it. If you are speaking to a native-English speaker from a different country (or sometimes just a different region of the same country) than you, it will help to be familiar with their word stress to avoid misunderstandings.

Here's a quick quiz on "standard" English word stress. See if you can pronounce the sentences correctly on the first try. Then scroll down for the answers. I've chosen words that are pronounced the same in both US and UK English so it doesn't get too complicated! For a more in-depth discussion of word stress, follow the article links following the quiz.

Enjoy!

1. The farm was used to produce produce.
2. The dump was so full that it had to refuse more refuse.
3. The soldier decided to desert his dessert in the desert.
4. Since there is no time like the present, he thought it was time to present the present.
5. I did not object to the object.
6. The insurance was invalid for the invalid.
7. I had to subject the subject to a series of tests.


Here are the answers:
1. The farm was used to produce produce.
2. The dump was so full that it had to refuse more refuse.
3. The soldier decided to desert his dessert in the desert.*
4. Since there is no time like the present, he thought it was time to present the present.
5. I did not object to the object.
6. The insurance was invalid for the invalid.
7. I had to subject the subject to a series of tests.

*If you have trouble remembering the difference between spelling desert (n. hot and barren landscape, v. to run away from, leave) and dessert (n. yummy treat, usually including chocolate), my mom taught me a great trick when I was little: "We always want more dessert, so we add an extra s!"

Confused about word stress? Review these related articles:
Word Stress: Does it really matter?
Word Stress in 2-Syllable Words