
Is it a verb? Is it a noun? No, it’s both!
Correct syllable stress is important for quick understanding. There are at least 100-word pairs of two-syllable words that are spelled exactly the same are both nouns and verbs. The difference is shown by syllable stress-noun-first syllable stressed, verb-second syllable stressed. These syllable stress changes often result in vowel sounds changing to schwa in the unstressed syllable.
Many of these words pairs have similar meanings like the following 6 words:
EXport-noun, means items that are sent out of the country to be sold
exPORT-verb, the sending of items to another country to be sold
IMport-noun, items that are brought into the country to be sold
imPORT-verb, bringing items into the country to be sold
DEcrease-noun, the amount by which something becomes less or the process of becoming less
deCREASE-verb, becoming less or making something reduce
However, there are many word pairs that have very different meanings as shown in the following 6-word pairs.
OBject-noun, a solid thing that is not alive or a plan
obJECT-verb, to feel or say that you oppose or disapprove of something
CONtest-noun, an event or situation with two or more people competing
conTEST-verb, to formally say that you do not agree with it or you do not accept something
PROduce-noun, fruits, vegetables, herbs, food grown on a farm
proDUCE-verb, to cause a result or to make, write, create something
An error in syllable stress causes a distraction from your message. Would you like to know more? Set up a free consultation or message me for a training video and handout.