Expressions for the sintering rate in liquid-phase sintering are derived for coupled interface dissolution and liquid-phase diffusion. The analysis reveals the important role of stress gradients in the grain boundary phase and also shows that such gradients cannot he supplied by liquid-phase flow. Stress-supporting structure in the grain boundary phase is thus implied. The probable existence of such structure is revealed by diffuse dark-field scattering studies, using transmission electron microscopy, on partially sintered alumina/anorthite bodies.