BI-SYLLABIC WORDS
In two syllable words, the choice of stress placement is still somewhat simple: either the first or the second syllable will be stressed. Bi-syllabic function words usually receive stress on their last syllable; there are some exceptions, though, which must be memorized. Take the following examples:
Bi-syllabic content words are stressed in a different way. The following hints are helpful for the placement of stress in bi-syllabic content words:
Bi-syllabic verbs are usually stressed according to their second syllable:
If the second syllable of the bi-syllabic verb contains a long vowel or diphthong, then the second syllable is stressed. Take the following examples:
If the bi-syllabic verb ends with more than one consonant, then the second syllable is stressed. Take the following examples:
If the final syllable contains a short vowel and one or no final consonant, then usually, the first syllable will be stressed. Take these examples:
Two syllable adjectives are stressed in the same manner. That is, the three rules mentioned for verbs hitherto, also apply to bi-syllabic adjectives. Take the following examples:
For adverbs, always notice that the ending –ly does not affect stress. Therefore, it is easy to put the –ly aside and identify the stress for the remaining adjective. The ending '-ly' is usually pronounced as /lɪ/. Take the following examples:
Bi-syllabic nouns generally follow a different stress placement pattern.
If the second syllable contains a short vowel, then the stress usually comes on the first syllable. Take these examples:
If the bi-syllabic noun does not go by rule 1, its stress will have to be placed on the second syllable. Nouns that fall in this category are very rare. Take this example:
