English Sentence Stress: Change the Meaning

In English, stress is not only about pronunciation—it also changes the meaning of what you say. By emphasizing different words in a sentence, you can shift the focus and express new ideas without changing the grammar or vocabulary.

For example, listen to this sentence: You ordered a large latte. Depending on which word is stressed, the meaning changes:
• You ordered a large latte. (Not someone else.)
• You ordered a large latte. (You didn’t just ask, you placed an order.)
• You ordered a large latte. (Not a small or medium.)
• You ordered a large latte. (Not a cappuccino.)

This video helps learners practice stress in natural English conversation. Sentence stress is key for clear communication, showing emotions, correcting someone politely, or emphasizing the right information.

Practicing stress also improves listening skills. Native speakers often rely on stress rather than grammar to understand what others mean. By mastering this skill, you’ll sound more fluent and confident in daily conversations.

Watch the video, repeat after the examples, and notice how just one stressed word can completely transform the message you send.