Stress Patterns in Two-Syllable Words: When First vs. Second Syllable Gets the Stress

In English, two-syllable words often follow specific stress patterns. The word stress can change the meaning completely between a noun and a verb.

First Syllable Stress (Most Common)

Most two-syllable nouns in English have stress on the first syllable. This is the default pattern.

Second Syllable Stress (Verb Form)

When two-syllable words become verbs or change meaning, stress often moves to the second syllable.