Quote:
Originally Posted by MikeNewYork  The application of stress to words aften changes the meaning of the sentence. With your sentences, I agree with RonBee. Were I to read them aloud, I would stress the same words that he chose. This would be the default reading -- no specific reason to change the emphasis. Take the following simple sentence, in 7 variations.
I never said she stole my money.
I never said she stole my money.
I never said she stole my money.
I never said she stole my money.
I never said she stole my money.
I never said she stole my money.
I never said she stole my money.
Notice the dramatic changes in meaning. |
Also, stress can change things other than the focus of a sentence (as it does in Mike's case). Take this example:
Tom hit Dick and then Harry hit him [Dick gets hit twice]
But
Tom hit Dick and then Harry hit him [Tom and Dick each get hit once.]
The stress changes the meaning of 'him'.
b