The secret sauce of English

English has a hidden layer of complexity that often goes unnoticed: word stress. This refers to the emphasis placed on one syllable in a word, and in English, it can completely change the meaning of a word. Take the word "record," for example. When you stress the first syllable, it’s a noun (REcord), but when you stress the second, it’s a verb (reCORD). This pattern appears in many word pairs, such as CONtract versus conTRACT and PREsent versus preSENT, where the stress determines whether the word is a noun or a verb.

Word stress also affects compound words. For example, "blackboard" (a board used in classrooms) versus "black board" (a board that is black in color). The stress on the first part of the compound word usually signifies a distinct meaning, while stress on the second part suggests a descriptive phrase.

Understanding word stress is key to clear communication, especially for non-native speakers. Misplacing stress can lead to misunderstandings, but mastering it can help you better understand and be understood in English. So, next time you’re speaking or listening, pay attention to where the emphasis falls - you might discover a whole new layer of meaning.