Author Topic: Stress the WH word or not?  (Read 5551 times)

Offline zoltankr

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Stress the WH word or not?
« on: March 09, 2015, 03:36:06 AM »
Hi, the question: What happened? phonetically looks like [ wʌt ˈhæp ənd? ]. It's a three syllables question with stress on the second syllable. But I'm not sure if the interrogative word need any stress or not. As far as I know WH words are usually stressed, but I'm not sure if it applies in all situations. I would be grateful for any suggestion. Thank you.

Offline Daniel

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Re: Stress the WH word or not?
« Reply #1 on: March 09, 2015, 06:44:06 AM »
It depends on context and emphasis. Right? But neutrally, no, the WH word is not stressed.
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Offline zoltankr

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Re: Stress the WH word or not?
« Reply #2 on: March 09, 2015, 04:48:57 PM »
When I see someone entering a room and he or she cries, and I ask: "What happened?" in this situation 'What' don't need the stress. Am I right?

Offline Daniel

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Re: Stress the WH word or not?
« Reply #3 on: March 10, 2015, 12:18:38 AM »
Yes. Unless it's an echo question confirming known info.
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