When English speakers talk they emphasize the content and focus words in a sentence. That’s because these words are the most important for meaning. Function words are said quickly because these words, while needed for structure, are not always key to meaning.

In spoken English each sentence or phrase contains:

A Focus word-the most important word

Content words-very important for meaning

Function words-not important for meaning

Content Words and Focus Words

The most important words in English sentences are content words and focus words. Content and focus words are pronounced a bit louder and with a higher pitch than the other words in a sentence.

Content words are usually nouns, main verbs, adjectives, adverbs, question words, negatives and numbers. The focus word is usually, but not always, the last content word in a thought group or phrase. (more…)