Pronunciation
Word stress
Every English word with two or more syllables has one strong syllable. Here are simple rules to help you find it.
The basic rule for two syllables
| Word type | Stress on… | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Nouns | the first syllable | WA·ter, PRO·blem, TA·ble |
| Adjectives | the first syllable | HAP·py, BU·sy, CLE·ver |
| Verbs | the second syllable | be·GIN, de·CIDE, re·LAX |
This rule works for most words, but not all. When you learn a new word, always check the stress with the 🔊 button or a dictionary.
Rules for word endings
Some endings tell you where the stress is:
| Ending | Stress on… | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| -tion, -sion | the syllable before the ending | in·for·MA·tion, de·CI·sion |
| -ic | the syllable before the ending | e·co·NO·mic, MU·sic |
| -ity | the syllable before the ending | u·ni·VER·si·ty, a·BI·li·ty |
Stress moves in word families
When a word gets longer, the stress can move: PHO·to·graph → pho·TO·gra·pher → pho·to·GRA·phic. Learn each form with its own sound.
Practice words
Click 🔊 and listen for the strong syllable. Then say the word out loud.
Happy (HAP·py)
Two-syllable adjective, so the stress is on the first syllable: HAP·py.
I'm happy with my new website.
Water (WA·ter)
Two-syllable noun, so the stress is on the first syllable: WA·ter.
Can I have a glass of water, please?
Begin (be·GIN)
Two-syllable verb, so the stress is on the second syllable: be·GIN.
The meeting will begin at ten.
Decide (de·CIDE)
Two-syllable verb, so the stress is on the second syllable: de·CIDE.
I can't decide which framework to use.
Computer (com·PU·ter)
Three syllables, with the stress in the middle: com·PU·ter.
I use my computer every day.
Information (in·for·MA·tion)
Ends in -tion, so the stress is just before it: in·for·MA·tion.
You can find more information on my blog.