Here is a short explanation on what word stress is as well as five common word stress patterns that will help you accentuate the right syllables and speak English like a native speaker.
These rules will enable you to improve your intonation and speak with a better accent. Understanding and mastering the rhythm of English is crucial to be well understood and reach a high level of oral expression in English.
Rule #1
The stress is on the first syllable for most Nouns with 2 syllables
KNOWledge
CLImate
GRAMmar
PROduct
TAble
CHIna
The stress is on the first syllable for most Adjectives with 2 syllables
HAPpy
CLEver
SPAcious
HANDsome
GRACEful
Rule #2
The stress is on the last syllable for most Verbs with 2 syllables.
exPORT
inCREASE
perMIT
proNOUNCE
reQUIRE
arRANGE
seCURE
proMISS
comPLY
inFLATE
Rule #3
The stress is usually on the second last syllable for the words ending.
in –TION, -SION, -CIAN.
eduCAtion
maGIcian
insti TUtion
muSIcian
concenTRAtion
exTENsion
techNIcian
perMISsion
obSESsion
**exception: TElevision
Rule #4
Stress is on the second last syllable for words ending in –IC.
econNOmic
reaLIStic
straTEgic
meCHAnic
geoGRAphic