Summary Rules guiding the use of stress in English

RULES GUIDING THE USE OF
STRESS IN ENGLISH
Here are the main laws (or rules) guiding the use of stress in English pronunciation, especially
useful for learners studying phonology or oral English.

✅ 1. Two-Syllable Word Rule
If the word is a noun or adjective, the stress usually falls on the first syllable.

If the word is a verb or preposition, stress usually falls on the second syllable.


Examples:

Noun: TAble, PREsent, REcord

Verb: preSENT, reCORD, rePLY




---

✅ 2. Compound Word Rule
In compound nouns, stress usually falls on the first part.

In compound adjectives or verbs, stress is often on the second part.


Examples:

Compound noun: BLACKboard, TOOTHpaste

Compound adjective: old-FAshioned, bad-TEMpered

Compound verb: underSTAND, overFLOW




---