Tools for Clear Speech

English speakers use stress to emphasize the difference between two things that they are comparing or contrasting. There are many situations in which this is done (see Requests for Clarification for more info). Contrastive stress helps listeners understand what you say and indicates that you understand them. Here are two examples:

Arseney said the meeting was on Tuesday, but I heard it was on Wednesday.

Blake: This is Dr. Morey’s office, right?
Olga: No, this is the lab.

In the first example, “Tuesday” and “Wednesday” both receive more stress than the other words in the sentence, because the speaker wants to emphasize that the ideas are contrasting. In the second example, “lab” receives additional stress, because Olga is contrasting her clarification with Blake’s initial belief. Contrastive stress can occur in individual sentences and across dialogues between speakers.

Below are a few more examples of contrastive stress in individual sentences:

He wasn’t sure if he wanted to stay, or go.

Did you want to go over this now, or later?

She thinks the report needs more work, but her partner thinks it’s finished.

Practice 1

Take a look at the sentences below. Decide which syllables should be stressed to emphasize a contrast. Try pronouncing each sentence with contrastive stress. Then, listen to the recordings.

1. I’m getting in at 9:00 AM, not PM.

   Click for the answer
   I’m getting in at 9:00 AM, not PM.

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2. Do you think it’s smarter to buy or rent this car?

   Click for the answer
   Do you think it’s smarter to buy or rent this car?

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3. Does she know that, or is she just guessing?

   Click for the answer
   Does she know that, or is she just guessing?

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4. The location is perfect, but I’m not sure about the price.

   Click for the answer
   The location is perfect, but I’m not sure about the price.

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5. The first checked bag is free on this airline, but the second costs twenty-five dollars.

   Click for the answer
   The first checked bag is free on this airline, but the second costs twenty-five dollars.

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6. I don’t think it’s this account; I think it’s the other one.

   Click for the answer
   I don’t think it’s this account; I think it’s the other one.

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7. You mentioned that the main character is dreaming, but she’s actually awake the whole time.

   Click for the answer
   You mentioned that the main character is dreaming, but she’s actually awake the whole time.

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8. Arthur: I don’t agree with Brown’s analysis….
   Gwenevere: …you agree more with Costas?
   Arthur: Yeah. He has a more balanced view.

   Click for the answer
   Arthur: I don’t agree with Brown’s analysis….
   Gwenevere: …you agree more with Costas?
   Arthur: Yeah. He has a more balanced view.
   

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9. Max: I think I’m going to vote for Ted for student council.
   Alexis: Why not Kelly? Everyone likes her ideas.
   Max: Well, Kelly doesn’t prioritize student organizations.
   Alexis: And Ted does?
   Max: I think so. Don’t you?

   Click for the answer
   Max: I think I’m going to vote for Ted for student council.
   Alexis: Why not Kelly? Everyone likes her ideas.
   Max: Well, Kelly doesn’t prioritize student organizations.
   Alexis: And Ted does?
   Max: I think so. Don’t you?

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Practice 2

Look at the following sets of questions and answers. The answer to each question is already provided to you. Decide which syllable in the sentence answer should receive contrastive stress, based on the question. Then, click on the answer to hear it pronounced.

Sentence: Professor Johnson’s class is in room 10-109.

1. Is professor Johnson’s office in room 10-109?

   Click for the answer
   Professor Johnson’s class is in room 10-109.

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2. Is professor Johnson’s class in room 11-109?

   Click for the answer
   Professor Johnson’s class is in room 10-109.

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Sentence: I had the textbook yesterday.

1. Did Miguel have the textbook yesterday?

   Click for the answer
   I had the textbook yesterday.

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2. Do you have the textbook today?

   Click for the answer
   I had the textbook yesterday.

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3. Did you have the lecture slides yesterday?

   Click for the answer
   I had the textbook yesterday.

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What do you do now?

First, brainstorm situations in which you might need to use contrastive stress. For example, it could be useful when comparing apartments, or expressing your opinions in a discussion.

Second, come see a speech consultant for more communicative practice with this feature of spoken English!