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Extended common measure

Meter
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

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The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

A variation of common meter with additional lines or expanded syllable counts

Detailed Definition
Extended common measure is a metrical variation of the traditional common meter (8.6.8.6), lengthened to accommodate more lines or syllables per stanza while preserving its alternating iambic tetrameter and trimeter rhythm; this adaptation allows for richer narrative or meditative development in hymns and devotional verse without sacrificing the singable cadence central to congregational use.
Example
Example in poetry:
“Abide with Me” by Henry Francis Lyte uses extended common measure (86.86 D); Many Victorian hymns extend common measure to accommodate doctrinal content; “Nearer, My God, to Thee” follows extended common measure structure; “Just As I Am” by Charlotte Elliott uses extended common measure for devotional effect
Additional Notes
Extended common measure refers to hymn stanzas that expand the traditional Common Meter (8.6.8.6) by adding lines or lengthening syllables while retaining its iambic rhythm and rhyme scheme (typically ABAB).
Also Known As
Amplified Common Meter Expanded Hymn Measure Lengthened Common Stanza Augmented Tetrameter-Trimeter Long Meter
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