keep stress
Rule Core
Keep-the-Base Stress means that in derived words, the original stressed syllable of the base remains stressed, while suffixes do not attract stress. Common with -ive, -ion, -al, it stabilizes rhythm and vowel quality.
Articulation
Stressed syllables are longer, louder, clearer; unstressed ones reduce to /ə/. Direct airflow and jaw opening to the stressed vowel.
Example
executive /ɪɡˈzɛkjʊtɪv/: stress stays on -zec- from execute; -ive is unstressed.
Pitfalls
Avoid shifting stress to the suffix or fully pronouncing reduced vowels.
Phonics Breakdown
Open wider and lengthen the stressed vowel; relax others to /ə/.
Sound Reference
- Locate base stress before adding suffixes
- Practice rhythm: stress vs. schwa
Common Mistakes
Shifting stress to the suffix
Failing to reduce unstressed vowels