Speaking: Pronunciation A2
Word Stress in Two-Syllable Words
Listen to the examples here.
Word Stress Isn't Random—It Follows Rules! 🎵
For two-syllable words, the stress often depends on if the word is a noun/adjective or a verb. This rule is very helpful and is true about 80% of the time!
Rule 1: Nouns & Adjectives
DUM-da
The stress is usually on the FIRST syllable.
Examples: TEA-cher , PIC-ture , HAP-py
Examples: TEA-cher , PIC-ture , HAP-py
Rule 2: Verbs
da-DUM
The stress is usually on the SECOND syllable.
Examples: be-GIN , de-CIDE , for-GET
Examples: be-GIN , de-CIDE , for-GET
"Magic" Stress-Changing Words 🪄
Some words are spelled the same, but the stress changes the meaning and the word type (noun/verb). Click 🔊 to hear the difference clearly.
As a Noun (DUM-da)
a PRE-sent (a gift)
As a Verb (da-DUM)
to pre-SENT (to give)
As a Noun (DUM-da)
a RE-cord (music/info)
As a Verb (da-DUM)
to re-CORD (a video/audio)
Practice the Stress Patterns 🎯
Activity 1: Guess the Stress (Self-Check)
Read the word and its type. Guess the stress pattern, then click "Show Answer" to check.
- student (noun)
Show Answer
DUM-da
- invite (verb)
Show Answer
da-DUM
- happy (adjective)
Show Answer
DUM-da
- forget (verb)
Show Answer
da-DUM
- present (noun, a gift)
Show Answer
DUM-da
- present (verb, to give)
Show Answer
da-DUM
Activity 2: Read the "Magic" Sentences
Practice reading these sentences aloud. Click 🔊 to hear them. Focus on changing the stress correctly.
- I want to re-CORD this music RE-cord.
- Let me pre-SENT you with this PRE-sent.
Vocabulary
- Word Stress Making one part of a word stronger and louder.
- Noun A word for a person, place, thing, or idea (e.g., teacher, market). Stress is usually on the first syllable in 2-syllable words.
- Adjective A word that describes a noun (e.g., happy, busy). Stress is usually on the first syllable in 2-syllable words.
- Verb An action word (e.g., begin, enjoy). Stress is usually on the second syllable in 2-syllable words.
- present (PRE-sent) A gift.
- present (pre-SENT) To give or show something formally.
- record (RE-cord) Information kept (like music or data).
- record (re-CORD) To store sounds or images electronically.
Your Pronunciation Mission ⭐
This week, your mission is to be a "stress pattern detective"!
- Listen to English speakers (online, TV, friends). When you hear a two-syllable word, try to identify the stress pattern: is it DUM-da or da-DUM?
- Find two new nouns/adjectives (like PRO-blem, FA-mous) and two new verbs (like re-PLY, ex-PLAIN). Write them down, mark the stress, and practice saying them. Check if they follow the rules from this lesson!