notes

Word Stress

Stress Patterns

  1. Most 2-syllable nouns and adjectives have the stress on the first syllable like:
    • nouns: letter, jumper, secret, toaster
    • adjective: active, orange, English, healthy
  2. Most 2-syllable verbs have the stress on the second syllable like:
    • begin, confirm, employ, delay, refer
  3. Exceptions:
    • nouns: address, canal, hotel, report
    • verbs: comment, answer, differ

Common Mistakes