Hello, I always really have a hard time trying to figure out if a syllable is stressed or unstressed. Is there any trick that will tell me if a word is? Or just something that will make it easier to identify? Also, can someone explain to me what metrical feet is and how exactly I can calculate that? Thank you so much to anyone who helps.

hi! i can try to help metrical feet is a group of 2 or 3 syllables forming the basic meaning of poetic rhythm

There are a couple of ways.

1. The dictionary will usually tell you.
http://www.dictionary.com/browse/infinitive
Notice in the section in brackets, the syllables are separated and the stressed syllable is in bold. You can also click on the little speaker icon to hear the word pronounced.

1a. Some words have more syllables, and a good dictionary will usually let you know about primary and secondary stressed syllables.
Here's an extreme example:
http://www.dictionary.com/browse/antidisestablishmentarianism?s=t

2. When you say the word aloud, the stressed syllable is said more loudly than the others. in FIN a tiv

Metrical feet in poetry:

http://study.com/academy/lesson/metrical-feet-characteristics-lesson-quiz.html

http://www.poetryfoundation.org/resources/learning/glossary-terms/detail/foot
Click on links for specific terms, such as names of the different "feet"

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foot_(prosody)
VERY well done!

Hello! Understanding stressed and unstressed syllables can be challenging, but I can certainly help you with that. Here are a few tips to identify stressed and unstressed syllables in words.

1. Listen for pitch: Stressed syllables are usually pronounced with a higher pitch or more emphasis than unstressed syllables.

2. Duration: Stressed syllables are often longer in duration compared to unstressed syllables, which are shorter and quicker.

3. Intensity: Stressed syllables are typically spoken with more force or intensity, while unstressed syllables are softer or more relaxed.

Keep in mind that the rules for stress placement can vary depending on the language or dialect. In English, stress patterns can be influenced by word type, word origin, and context. It's helpful to listen to native speakers, consult dictionaries or pronunciation guides, and practice pronouncing words aloud to develop a better sense of stress patterns.

Now, moving on to metrical feet. In poetry, a metrical foot is a unit of stressed and unstressed syllables that make up a line. There are various types of metrical feet, such as the iamb, trochee, anapest, dactyl, and spondee.

To calculate the metrical feet of a line, you need to identify the pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables. For example:

- An iambic foot consists of one unstressed syllable followed by one stressed syllable (e.g., "a-WAY").
- A trochaic foot consists of one stressed syllable followed by one unstressed syllable (e.g., "HE-llo").
- An anapestic foot consists of two unstressed syllables followed by one stressed syllable (e.g., "un-der-STAND").
- A dactylic foot consists of one stressed syllable followed by two unstressed syllables (e.g., "DE-li-cious").
- A spondaic foot consists of two stressed syllables together (e.g., "HEART-BEAT").

By identifying the stress pattern in each line and grouping the syllables accordingly, you can determine the metrical feet.

Remember, practice is key! Listening to spoken language and reading poetry aloud will help train your ear and improve your ability to identify stressed and unstressed syllables.