Contrastive Stress

Stress changes the focus of meaning.

Examples

• I didn't say HE stole it.

Key rules

• Contrastive stress highlights the word that contrasts with what is expected
• Speakers stress the contrasting word to correct or emphasise
• Changing the stressed word changes the meaning of the sentence

Common mistakes

• I didn't say HE stole it (someone else did) → Stress the word that matters in your meaning

Use cases

• Correcting misunderstandings
• Debate and argument
• Clear speaking in meetings