If a word has two syllables, the word stress falls on the first syllable if the word is accented on the first syllable. If the word is not accented on the first syllable, the word stress falls on the second syllable.
Definition
When we speak, we stress certain syllables in order to emphasize certain words. This is called word stress, and it's an important part of pronunciation. Syllables are the small units of sound that make up a word. For example, the word " grammar" has two syllables: gra-mmar.
Type
There are three types of syllables:
1. Open syllables: An open syllable ends with a vowel sound, like the syllable "gra" in "grammar."
2. Closed syllables: A closed syllable ends with a consonant sound, like the syllable "mar" in "grammar."
3. Silent syllables: A silent syllable has no sound, like the syllable "mm" in "grammar."
When we stress a syllable, we make it longer and louder. For example, the word "grammar" is usually stressed on the first syllable: GRA-mar.
Examples
Here are some more examples of word stress:
1. Word stress can change the meaning of a word. For example, the word "present" can be a verb (to give something to someone) or a noun (a gift). We stress differently to show which meaning we want: pre-SENT (verb) or PRES-ent (noun).
2. We can also use word stress to show which part of a word is most important. For example, the word "record" can be a verb (to record something) or a noun (a recorded thing). We stress differently to show which meaning we want: re-CORD (verb) or re-CORD (noun).
Conclusion
In English, word stress usually falls on the first or second syllable of a word. However, there are some exceptions. You can determine where the word stress falls by using the following rules:
1. If a word has one syllable, the word stress falls on that syllable.
2. If a word has two syllables, the word stress falls on the first syllable if the word is accented on the first syllable. If the word is not accented on the first syllable, the word stress falls on the second syllable.
3. If a word has three or more syllables, the word stress falls on the syllable that is closest to the end of the word.
