[General] Where should the tonic stress be?

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englishhobby

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What is the most natural way to pronounce the following (which words should be stressed):

1) IZ Paul at HOME?
2) Is PAUL at HOME?

The context is simple - I'm talking with Paul's sister who has just opened the door.
 
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JMurray

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In the case of the most common and simple query in this sort of situation, which I think is what you mean, I would probably only stress "Paul".
Most of the time, I would also drop the preposition: "Is Paul home?".
 
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bhaisahab

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In the case of the most common and simple query in this sort of situation, which I think is what you mean, I would probably only stress "Paul".
Most of the time, I would also drop the preposition: "Is Paul home?".

I agree that "Paul" would be stressed but I wouldn't drop the preposition.
 

5jj

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I agree that "Paul" would be stressed but I wouldn't drop the preposition.
I probably would drop it, but it is not incorrect.
 
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