[Idiom] Thought group split in English speech

[Curiosity1]

I am studying the use of thought groups in English speech. While the most of it is clear to me, I am struggling with some sentences with "is". Here are some sentences I have found on various English learning websites. The slash (/) marks the beginning of a new thought group. You will notice that the first sentence recommends a pause after 'is' and the remaining sentences recommend a pause before 'is'.

How does one decide whether to pause before or after an 'is'?

1. The second benefit of studying in Australia is / the opportunity.
2. A side effect of that /is the emergence of the united states.
3. The first item on our agenda/ is to address parking.
4. Change / is inevitable.

Thanks

 

[probus]

I am not familiar with the idea of thought groups, but I can tell you that as a native speaker I would not pause in any of your four examples.

 

[Charlie Bernstein]

I wouldn't, either.

Capitalize United States.

 

[Rover_KE]

I agree with both of the above responses.

Apparently a thought group can also be called a phrase.:roll:

To me, sentence #1 is incomplete, and should end with something like '... to visit Bondi Beach'.

 

[Curiosity1]

I am not familiar with the idea of thought groups, but I can tell you that as a native speaker I would not pause in any of your four examples.

I can understand it, as a native speaker you may find the sentence too short to take a break. Having said that for non-native speakers these exercises can act as a building block.

Maybe think how you would utter these sentences if you were out of breath from running up a few flights of stairs.

Here is a quick intro: https://scholarblogs.emory.edu/elsp505boldt/files/2012/10/8_Thought-groups_2012.pdf

 

[GoesStation]

Maybe think how you would utter these sentences if you were out of breath from running up a few flights of stairs.

That sounds like a worthwhile exercise.

 

[Charlie Bernstein]

I can understand it, as a native speaker you may find the sentence too short to take a break. Having said that for non-native speakers these exercises can act as a building block.

They don't all seem broken up right, though.

I'd call them phrases, too. But if thought groups works for you and your teacher, that's fine.

Maybe think how you would utter these sentences if you were out of breath from running up a few flights of stairs.

Here is a quick intro: https://scholarblogs.emory.edu/elsp505boldt/files/2012/10/8_Thought-groups_2012.pdf

Thanks!

 

[Charlie Bernstein]

I. . . To me, sentence #1 is incomplete, and should end with something like '... to visit Bondi Beach'.

Yes. Opportunity to do what? What opportunity?

 

[Curiosity1]

Yes. Opportunity to do what? What opportunity?

The opportunity was outlined in an earlier sentence and was understood by both the speaker and the listener.

 

[emsr2d2]

The opportunity was outlined in an earlier sentence and was understood by both the speaker and the listener.

It would have been helpful, therefore, if you had given us the earlier sentence as well.

 

[Tarheel]

The first benefit of studying in Australia is all the poisonous snakes there. Oh wait! That might not be a benefit.
;-)

 

[GoesStation]

The first benefit of studying in Australia is all the poisonous snakes there. Oh wait! That might not be a benefit.
;-)

We have our share in your own Tarheel state. Just a couple of days ago, my niece's husband was bitten by a copperhead while taking out the trash in Charlotte, North Carolina. It's an excruciating experience but he's expected to keep all his limbs and make a full recovery.

He says he'll never walk barefoot again.

 

[Charlie Bernstein]

The opportunity was outlined in an earlier sentence and was understood by both the speaker and the listener.

Now you tell us.

 

[GoesStation]

Now you tell us.

For learners: Charlie was being sarcastic. I underlined the first word to show that it's heavily stressed in speech. The expression means "We wouldn't have had so much trouble if you'd told us that sooner."

 

[Charlie Bernstein]

For learners: Charlie was being sarcastic. I underlined the first word to show that it's heavily stressed in speech. The expression means "We wouldn't have had so much trouble if you'd told us that sooner."

That's wasn't my sarcastic voice. That was my grouchy voice.

Yes, it means you should have told us at the beginning.

 

[GoesStation]

That's wasn't my sarcastic voice. That was my grouchy voice.

Sorry to misrepresent you. I guess I wasn't listening closely enough.

 

[Tdol]

I struggle to see how #4 is two thought groups/phrases.