Content vs. Function Words
If your grammar is perfect but people still struggle to understand you,
this is usually the reason.
English isn’t spoken word-by-word. It’s spoken in rhythm.
Meaning words carry the beat. Grammar words shrink.
▶ Watch this 2-minute breakdown before doing the drills below.
Two-word rhythm drills (weak → STRONG)
Compress the small word. Let the strong word carry the beat.
Three-word drills (weak → weak → STRONG)
More compression. Same beat.
Rule: Make function words as short and compact as possible. The smaller they are, the easier it is for the content word to stand out.
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