Content Word Stress (Prominence): A Tip for Being Understood in English

[@leandroleon2829]

What happens when there are too many content words in a chunk?

[@TeacherRyane]

Hi Leandro- Great question. We arrange the chunk around the content word. For example, if a professor is giving a lecture with a lot of big important words, they might make more "chunks" to help it sound more clear. If they don't do this, they might be hard to understand.

[@leandroleon2829]

@@TeacherRyane thank you very much for your explanation. I understand now. Can I ask you one more question? Is there a possibility for the verb to be, to work as a content word, in a sentence? I ask this especifically for when the verb to be is the main verb and NOT an auxiliary one.

[@TeacherRyane]

@@leandroleon2829 Most of the time the be verb will not be a content word. Why? Because the be verb doesn't usually add meaning to the sentence. I can say, "Weather nice today!" and you will clearly understand what I mean even though I deleted the be verb.

[@TeacherRyane]

The only exception to this is when we are in a conversation and there is confusion. Maybe you didn't hear what I said... In this case, I will repeat the sentence and STRESS the be verb, so you can clearly understand what I said.

[@leandroleon2829]

@@TeacherRyane perfectly explained! Yes, I knew something about the confusion scenario. I understand that there is another exception for when the be verb is in final position, right? And what about when the be verb is in negative or interrogative form?

[@diego8087]

My mind 🤯, thanks so much!

[@agustincolazo5479]

Clear and to the point, thank you! 🤗 greetings from Argentina :)

[@ESCHKaran]

You're next level tutor... It's so goat...

[@mohammadwagehmohammad1439]

I love you so much M best teacher♥️

[@LudmilaSosaRozzi]

Very clear! 👌

[@아날로그인간]

I loved your lecture! It's really helpful! Btw what does prominence mean?

[@TeacherRyane]

The word means "important" or "noticeable," but in this case it just means the word in the sentence that has the important information.

[@angelneog.m4277]

You are the best

[@МарияБриз-ц1э]

Thank you for this video. Are numerals content words? Or not?

[@zuxrarozmetova3274]

I can not understand prominence?.Can you prepare for video once again?. I am waiting for you.

[@dara_1989]

total opposite in india A faithful friend IS as rear as A diamond

[@TeacherRyane]

That’s interesting! I wonder how the language evolved to be so different?

[@dara_1989]

@@TeacherRyane small words R easy to say . SOO.. indians hang in theMMM .... while trying TO .. figure out how to sayyy .. d next word .... OR phrase

[@dara_1989]

indians don't use the LOUDNESS aspect of it ...