Shifting Stress within a Word: Examples
Here are some examples of shifting stress within a word, along with explanations:
1. Noun vs. Verb:
* CONduct (noun): The CONduct of the orchestra was impeccable.
* conDUCT (verb): The manager will conDUCT the meeting.
* REcord (noun): I have a REcord of all the transactions.
* reCORD (verb): Please reCORD your name and address.
* OBject (noun): The OBject in the painting is unclear.
* obJECT (verb): I obJECT to the proposed changes.
2. Different Meanings:
* PERmit (verb): We PERmit smoking in this area.
* perMIT (noun): Do you have a perMIT to enter the park?
* PREsent (verb): The president will PREsent the award.
* preSENT (adjective): I am preSENT for the meeting.
* CONtract (noun): The CONtract was signed yesterday.
* conTRACT (verb): Muscles conTRACT when they work.
3. Plurals vs. Singulars:
* A'dult (singular): The A'dult was responsible for the child.
* A'dults (plural): The A'dults were enjoying the party.
* ADdress (singular): What's your ADdress?
* ADdresses (plural): He gave several ADdresses.
* PROgress (singular): We made PROgress on the project.
* PROgresses (plural): The company PROgresses steadily.
4. Past Tense vs. Present Participle:
* PERmit (present): We PERmit smoking.
* perMITTED (past): Smoking was perMITTED in this area.
* PREsent (present): The president PREsents the award.
* preSENTing (present participle): The president is preSENTing the award.
5. Adjective vs. Verb:
* REbel (adjective): The REbel soldiers fought against the government.
* reBEL (verb): He chose to reBEL against the system.
* CONtest (adjective): The CONtest was fierce.
* conTEST (verb): We will conTEST the results of the election.
These are just a few examples, and the stress patterns can vary depending on the dialect of English being spoken. It's important to pay attention to how words are pronounced in context.