Syllable stress informs so much of your English pronunciation. This additional nuance lets people know how you feel about your new boss, it shows when you’re angry or in love, and, most importantly, syllable stress improves your American accent.
The tricky part is the uniqueness of American syllable stress. Every native speaker does it without a second’s hesitation, but they don’t really think too much about it. A good comparison is how French speakers automatically give each noun a gender; it almost happens by accident. However, the moment you drop it, just like if you misgender a word in French, suddenly everyone notices.
To help you with your pronunciation practice I put together a list of the top fifty words in English with two syllables or more for you. Watch the video above and use the categories below to continue on your own.
Two-syllable words: Syllable Stress on the First Syllable
- Really
- Business
- Going
- Every
- Little
- During
- Using
- Something
- System
- Better
Now Stress the Second Syllable
- About
- Because
- Before
- Around
- Between
- Without
- Again
- Within
- Support
- Away
Let’s ramp up to three-syllable words. This set has more variations. Revisit the video and listen to me say them, then repeat with these lists.
Three-Syllable Words: Emphasis on the First Syllable
- Area
- Services
- Government
- Possible
- National
- Quality
- Following
- Personal
- Energy
- Usually
Stress on the Second Syllable
- Another
- However
- Important
- Including
- Together
- Already
Now the Third Syllable
There’s only one common word you need from this category: Understand. Other words with this stress exist, but this one is what you’ll hear the most.
Four-syllable Words: Stress the Second Syllable
There are no common words with four syllables that stress the beginning of the word, at least not in American English. So, we’re skipping right to the second syllable.
- Experience
- Available
- Community
- Development
- American
- Especially
- Particular
- Technology
Now Highlight the Third Syllable
You get a super short list this time.
- Information
- Education
Five-syllable Words: Emphasize the Third Syllable
- University
- International
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