Bass vs Bass

• Bass (a type of fish) – Noun

• Bass (low sound) – Noun

Pronunciation

These words are heteronyms, meaning they are spelled the same but pronounced differently and have different meanings.

• Bass (Noun): Pronounced /beɪs/ (BASE) — A type of fish.

• Bass (Noun): Pronounced /bæs/ (BASS) — A low sound.

Listen to the audio. Notice how the pronunciation changes based on the meaning.

What makes them different is your intonation, expression, and context, or the other words in the sentence.

Instruction

Read each sentence aloud and practice identifying the meaning of "bass" in context.
Can you tell which “bass” is being mentioned as you read each sentence?

Example Sentences

1. He caught a large bass while fishing in the lake.
   a. A type of fish
   b. Low sound

2. The bass of the speaker made the room vibrate.
   a. A type of fish
   b. Low sound

3. She grilled the bass with a lemon marinade.
   a. A type of fish
   b. Low sound

4. The bass in the song was incredibly powerful.
   a. A type of fish
   b. Low sound

5. The lake is known for its abundant bass population.
   a. A type of fish
   b. Low sound

6. He adjusted the bass levels on the stereo system.
   a. A type of fish
   b. Low sound

7. The chef prepared a bass for the special dinner menu.
   a. A type of fish
   b. Low sound

8. The bass player in the band was very talented.
   a. A type of fish
   b. Low sound

9. He couldn’t believe the size of the bass he caught.
   a. A type of fish
   b. Low sound

10. The deep bass in the music gave it a dramatic effect.
    a. A type of fish
    b. Low sound

Answers

1. a

2. b

3. a

4. b

5. a

6. b

7. a

8. b

9. a

10. b

Intonation

Instructions: Intonation is controlling the rise and fall of your voice. When we do this with words and phrases, we send the listener a specific message.

Bass (a type of fish)

1. The bass was cooked perfectly. (Stress bass to highlight the food.)

2. He caught a bass that weighed over 10 pounds. (Emphasize bass to focus on the catch.)

3. The lake is known for its bass fishing tournaments. (Highlight bass to show its importance.)

Bass (low sound)

1. The deep bass made the room vibrate. (Stress bass to highlight the sound.)

2. He turned the bass up to enjoy the music more. (Emphasize bass to focus on the effect.)

3. The bass guitar added richness to the melody. (Highlight bass to show its role in the music.)

Expression

The following explains how stressing or emphasizing the bolded words alters the tone or focus of the sentence and offers some helpful tips. Practice stressing these words when speaking. Create your own sentences with the following words and phrases.

Bass (a type of fish):

1. Large bass: Refers to the size of the fish.

   • Tip: Highlight large to emphasize the catch.

   • Sentence: He caught a large bass during the trip.

2. Fresh bass: Suggests the quality of the fish.

   • Tip: Stress fresh to indicate its freshness.

   • Sentence: The chef prepared a fresh bass for dinner.

3. Bass fishing: Describes the activity.

   • Tip: Highlight fishing to show the purpose.

   • Sentence: They went bass fishing early in the morning.

Bass (low sound):

1. Deep bass: Refers to the intensity of the sound.

   • Tip: Highlight deep to create a vivid image.

   • Sentence: The deep bass in the song made it dramatic.

2. Bass levels: Focuses on sound adjustments.

   • Tip: Stress levels to describe the change.

   • Sentence: He adjusted the bass levels for a richer sound.

3. Bass guitar: Refers to the instrument.

   • Tip: Highlight guitar to show its role in the band.

   • Sentence: The bass guitar added depth to the music.

Things to Remember:

The word "bass" is used in different contexts:

• Bass (a type of fish): Works with descriptive phrases like "large bass," "fresh bass," or "bass fishing."

  • Example: He grilled a large bass for dinner.

• Bass (low sound): Often paired with words like "deep bass," "bass levels," or "bass guitar."

  • Example: The bass guitar added a powerful tone to the song.