Here's a breakdown:
* Syllable: A single unit of pronunciation that consists of one vowel sound, and may or may not have surrounding consonants. For example, the word "happy" has two syllables: "hap" and "py".
* Stress: The emphasis or force applied to a particular syllable.
* Stress Syllable: The syllable in a word that receives the most emphasis during pronunciation.
Why are stress syllables important?
* Pronunciation: Knowing where the stress falls helps you pronounce words correctly.
* Meaning: Sometimes, the stress on a syllable can change the meaning of a word (e.g., "CONduct" vs. "conDUCT").
* Rhythm: Stress patterns in words contribute to the rhythm and flow of spoken language.
How to identify stress syllables:
* Listen carefully: Pay attention to how native speakers pronounce words. The stressed syllable will usually be the loudest and clearest.
* Dictionaries: Many dictionaries indicate stress with a small mark above the stressed syllable (e.g., "happy").
* Practice: Practice saying words out loud and notice which syllables feel more emphasized.
Examples:
* "Happy": The stress is on the first syllable: HAP-py
* "Telephone": The stress is on the second syllable: tel-E-phone
* "Important": The stress is on the first syllable: IM-portant
Understanding stress syllables is crucial for effective communication and a good grasp of spoken English.