Intonation – Why verbs are not stressed sometimes?

Question

Hi,I have been reading a lot of material on English intonation. I understand the difference between content words and function words.Though most resources say that verbs are content words, some examples do not stress the verbs. For example consider the following sentences from this site.  The capital words represent the stressed words.1. SUSAN is HAPPY in her new POSITION.2. She conducts her MEETINGS in the BOARDROOM.    ( why ‘conducts' is not stressed ?)3. If you PLAN to become a DOCTOR, you need to study ANATOMY. ( why ‘need' is not stressed ?)Thanks,MG.

Avangi · Accepted Answer

The red verbs would be stressed only to show a contrast with an alternative verb:

She plans her meetings in her private office, but she conducts them in the boardroom.

I didn't say she plans her meetings in the boardroom, I said she conducts them there.

I'm dropping anatomy because I don't think it's important.
(reply) But if you plan to become a doctor, you need to study anatomy.

Musicgold · Answer

Avangi,

Thanks.

AvangiThe red verbs would be stressed only to show a contrast with an alternative verb

It is not clear to me yet. In a simple statement, do I stress the main verb or not? Consider the following sentences. I am not sure if the verbs should be stressed or not.

4. They worked on it

5. Dogs eat bones.
6. John killed a man.
7. We need a break
8. Tom made lunch.

Thanks again,

MG.

Kooyeen · Answer

Dogs eat bones? Have you been reading American Accent Traning?

Intonation is the only thing in English that I've never studied. I skipped that part in American Accent Training too... I only took a quick look at it.
The reason is pretty simple: while some simplified rules might make sense in short unconnected phrases, I noticed that the rules just get way too complicated once you include all possible adverbial phrases, idioms, context, feelings, regional variations, etc.

It's an up-and-down intonation, like going up and down the stairs. I just figured I'd better leave any intonation rule alone, and hoped in time I would understand how intonation worked just by listening to English, imitating native speakers, etc.

The result is I still don't know which words should be stressed and just stress random words!

But in your examples I wouldn't stress the verb (unless there were a good reason to do so).

a. Dogs eat bones.
b. No, they don't.
a. Yes, dogs eat 'em.
b. No, they bury bones, or they chew on 'em, but they don't really eat bones.

Just an example where I stressed the way in "my random way". I hope it makes sense, I might well be wrong. I'm sorry I can't help you more, but I'm sure some native speakers will reply soon.

Avangi · Answer

Hi, MG,

There's no such thing as a simple statement. That's the big problem we have. There's always context or implied context which determines the stress. Unfortunately, exercises try to deal with "simple statements."

4. They worked on it. I'll grant you, this one is pretty neutral. With no context, the verb alone would be stressed.

If we imagine a scenario in which five incompetent plumbers were mentioned, and a sixth was recommended, the reply could be, "[But] they worked on it!" Another is possible stressing only the "they."

5. Dogs eat bones. Without context, each word gives critical information and would be stressed. A reply could change (and stress) any of them.
No. Dogs bury bones.
No. Dogs eat dog food.
No. Lions eat bones.

6. John killed a man. Without context, stress "John killed." For some reason, we assume "man."
In "John killed a snake," stress everything but the article. The snake is unexpected.
A counter statement would be, "No, Bill killed the snake." OR "No, John only injured the snake."

7. We need a break. Without context, stress everything but the article. With proper context, any of the three main words may be stressed alone.

8. Tom made lunch. Same deal. Stress all three. Alternatively, the verb may be lighter.

Counter statements:
No, Bill made lunch.
No, Tom bought lunch.
No, Tom made supper.

I'll grant you, this one is pretty neutral. With no context, the verb alone would be stressed.
If we imagine a scenario in which five incompetent plumbers were mentioned, and a sixth was recommended, the reply could be, "[But] they worked on it!" Another is possible stressing only the "they."

Musicgold · Answer

Avangi and Kooyeen,

Thanks.

KooyeenDogs eat bones? Have you been reading American Accent Traning?

Yes, that is one of the books I have been using.

Avangi · Answer

If John is being considered for a position of great trust, someone might argue, "But John killed a man," stressing only the "killed."

Kooyeen · Answer

I forgot about "They worked on it" when I said that I wouldn't stress the verbs in your examples. In that case, I would stress the verb, as Avangi said.

Intonation – Why verbs are not stressed sometimes?

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