AboutJerry Leone Expertise I`ve taught writing or some aspect of the English language for nearly 35 years. I can answer nearly any question on grammar, usage or meanings of words above dictionary usage. An avid crossword fan and writer, I can also answer questions about business presentations and resumes.
Experience I have worked with words all my life as a teacher of the language and as an amateur and professional writer. Communication is a vital force in my life and everyone else's.
Expert: Jerry Leone Date: 5/15/2008 Subject: stressed syllable
Question What is a stressed syllable?
Answer Elizabeth,
First, a multi-syllable word has a prominent syllable. This is called a stressed syllable. It is longer in duration, higher in pitch, and louder in volume. Af ter and tea cher are good examples of nouns where the first syllable is stressed or accented.
Duration is the primary attribute to the prominence of a syllable.
Usually two syllable nouns (90%+) have the stress on the first syllable; two syllable verbs (60%+) have the stress on the second. Af ter and tea cher are good examples of nouns where the first syllable is stressed or accented. Sha dow and fol low are examples of verbs where the second is stressed.
Except for compounds, the stressed syllables in words with more than two syllables never stand next to each other (Stressed syllables and weak syllables alternate).
I hope this helps to understand stressed syllable better.
