Author: British Council | Published on 2 January 2023
Learners of English often become confused when they see the same word, but in one sentence it’s a noun and in another sentence it’s used as a verb. With such words the stress becomes important when we are speaking.
Say: ‘Listen to the words. What do you notice?’
Play the audio:
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Don’t throw the refuse into the street. He will refuse to play the game. You need a permit for hunting. Will you permit me to leave? The Sahara is a big desert. He decided to desert the army. |
Elicit that if the word is a noun the stress is on the first syllable and if it’s a verb the stress is on the second syllable.
Play the next audio
[play audio]
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refuse (noun) refuse (verb) permit (noun) permit (verb) desert (noun) desert (verb) |