English word stress is not fixed. It can appear on the first syllable of the word, the final syllable or intermediary syllables. In addition to word stress, phrasal stress is also important. Let us consider a few examples.
In noun phrases, the noun usually has the most stress. In the noun phrase a new computer, the noun computer is usually stressed more than the other words in the phrase. If the word new is stressed the most, it is to emphasize that the computer is new.
The adjective usually has the most stress in adjective phrases In the adjective phrase very fast, the adjective fast usually has the most stress. If the word very is stressed, it is to emphasize the adverb very.
In verb phrases with an auxiliary verb and a main verb, the main verb usually has the most stress. For example, in the verb phrase is studying, the verb studying is usually stressed the most. If the auxiliary is carries the main stress, it is for emphasis. If speaker A stated "He isn't sleeping, is he?, speaker A could answer, "Yes, he is sleeping" and stress the word is to assure speaker A that it was true.
Word stress is very important in English. However, stress also occurs beyong the word and also extends to phrases, clauses and verbs. Phrasal stress occurs at the phrasal level in phrases such as noun phrases, adjective phrases and verb phrases.
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