Page 12 - DENG101_Communication Skills-I

Unit 1: Simple Rules of Pronunciation and Intonation

But sometimes short two word expressions are set or “consecrated”, (that is, they mean something Notes
special) and have to be made different from similar expressions. One example is “the WHITE
house” where Mr. Bush lives. In this case, the emphasis is on the adjective because we are more
interested in stressing that it is the house that is known because it is white. In the same way, “FAT
boy” is the nickname of a boy, chosen because the word fat emphasizes his weight.
It will be useful for you to be aware of both types of two word expressions. Here is a list of a
few that will get you thinking and give you some practice in identifying them and using them
correctly. Underline the syllable that is stressed, and write a brief explanation, for both uses
of each phrase. I start the exercise with two examples. You do the rest. Make sure you say the
phrases OUT LOUD!

Examples: 1. WHITE house
In Washington
2. white HOUSE
House painted white

Rule 7: Sentence Intonation
Stress on different words while speaking a sentence may imply a different meaning at different
times.

Example: I don’t think he should get the job.
This simple sentence can have many levels of meaning based on the word you stress. Consider
the meaning of the following sentences with the stressed word in bold. Read each sentence aloud
and give a strong stress to the word in bold:
I don’t think Hary should get the job.
Meaning: Somebody else thinks Hary should get the job.

I don’t think Hary should get the job.
Meaning: It’s not true that I think Hary should get the job.
I don’t think Hary should get that job.
Meaning: That’s not really what I mean. OR I’m not sure Hary’ll get that job.

I don’t think Hary should get that job.
Meaning: Somebody else should get that job.
I don’t think Hary should get that job.
Meaning: In my opinion it’s wrong that Hary’s going to get that job.
I don’t think Hary should get that job.

Meaning: Hary should have to earn (be worthy of, work hard for) that job.
I don’t think Hary should get that job.
Meaning: Hary should get another job.
I don’t think Hary should get that job.

Meaning: Maybe Hary should get something else instead.

LOVELY PROFESSIONAL UNIVERSITY 5