Word stress Two syllable words stressed on the first syllable - SS3 English Lesson Note

Some examples of two-syllable words stressed on the first syllable include:

table, comfort, export, import, tailor. 

When pronouncing these words, the first syllable is pronounced with a louder and longer vowel sound than the second syllable.

The stress on the first syllable helps to distinguish these words from other words that have the same or similar pronunciation, such as:

table (noun) vs. ta-ble (verb)

comfort (noun) vs. com-fort(verb)

export (noun) vs. ex-port (verb)

import (noun) vs. im-port (verb)

tailor (noun) vs. tai-lor (verb)

General rule: In two-syllable words, the stress is usually on the first syllable. This is true for most nouns, adjectives, and verbs. For example:

Nouns: table, comfort, export, import, tailor

Adjectives: quiet, simple, perfect, certain, modern

Verbs: begin, attend, collect, prevent, exist

Exceptions: There are some exceptions to this rule, such as when the first syllable is unaccented or when the second syllable contains a long vowel or diphthong. For example:
Nouns: machine, balloon, horizon, museum.
Adjectives: human, final, casual, official Verbs: refer, control, prefer, object

How to determine the stress: The easiest way to determine the stress of a two-syllable word is to listen to a native speaker pronounce it. You can also look up the word in a dictionary, which will usually indicate the stress in the pronunciation guide.

Importance of stress: Stress is an important part of English pronunciation. It helps to distinguish between words that sound similar, such as "table" and "ta-ble." It also helps to convey meaning, such as in the case of the verb "refer" and the noun "refer-ence."