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Quizzes > Literature & Language > English & Grammar

Take the English Word Stress True or False Quiz!

Ready to master stress patterns? Try this quick English pronunciation quiz now!

Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art style quiz illustration with text highlighting English word stress true or false challenge on dark blue background

This English word stress true or false quiz helps you check which syllable to stress and spot common traps while you practice. In minutes, build clearer rhythm and sound more natural. For more support, read our pronunciation and grammar tips or try the stressed syllable practice quiz .

In the word 'banana', the primary stress falls on the second syllable.
True
False
The word 'banana' is pronounced ba-NA-na, with the primary stress on the second syllable. This pattern is typical for many three-syllable words ending in an unstressed vowel. Native speaker dictionaries consistently mark the second syllable as stressed for this word.
'Computer' has its primary stress on the second syllable.
True
False
In the word 'computer', speakers emphasize the second syllable: com-PU-ter. This stress placement follows the common pattern for many two-syllable nouns where the stress falls on the second syllable. Checking authoritative dictionaries confirms this second-syllable stress.
In the word 'information', the primary stress is on the first syllable.
True
False
The correct pronunciation of 'information' is in-for-MA-tion, with the primary stress on the third syllable. Stressing the first syllable would be nonstandard. Dictionaries universally mark the third syllable as the primary stressed syllable.
The noun 'record' is stressed on the first syllable.
False
True
When 'record' functions as a noun, it is pronounced RE-cord with stress on the first syllable. Verbs spell and stress differently (re-CORD). This noun-verb stress shift is well-documented in English stress patterns.
The verb 'record' is stressed on the first syllable.
False
True
As a verb, 'record' is pronounced re-CORD with the stress on the second syllable. This differs from its noun form, which stresses the first. English often shifts stress between noun and verb forms spelled identically.
Most two-syllable English nouns are stressed on the first syllable.
False
True
A large majority of disyllabic English nouns place primary stress on the first syllable (e.g., 'TAble', 'WINdow'). This is a common generalization used in teaching English pronunciation. Exceptions exist, but the rule applies to most everyday nouns.
Most two-syllable English verbs are stressed on the first syllable.
True
False
Contrary to nouns, many disyllabic verbs in English place primary stress on the second syllable (e.g., be-LIEVE, re-LAX). This distinction between noun and verb stress is a key feature of English pronunciation. While some verbs start stressed on the first syllable, the second-syllable stress is more common overall.
In the word 'photograph', the primary stress is on the first syllable.
False
True
The word 'photograph' is pronounced PHO-to-graph, with the stress on the first syllable. This pattern holds for the noun form, whereas verb forms like 'photograph' (as a verb) shift stress differently in some accents. Dictionaries list the first-syllable stress for the noun.
In the word 'economics', the stress is on the third syllable.
True
False
Economics is pronounced ec-o-NOM-ics, with primary stress on the third syllable. This antepenultimate stress is typical of words ending in -ics. Checking dictionary entries confirms this pattern.
In adjectives ending in '-ic', the stress typically falls on the second-to-last syllable.
True
False
Most adjectives ending in -ic (e.g., geo-PHIC, pho-TOG-ic) are stressed on the penultimate syllable. This rule helps predict stress in many academic and scientific terms. Dictionaries often list the stress mark on that syllable.
Adjectives ending in '-ical' shift the stress compared to their '-ic' forms, often adding a syllable and moving the stress.
True
False
Adding the suffix -ical changes both syllable count and stress placement (e.g., eco-NOM-ic vs e-co-NOM-i-cal). The stress often moves to the antepenultimate syllable in the longer form. Recognizing this can improve pronunciation of related adjectives.
In compound nouns, the stress is usually on the second element.
True
False
English compound nouns typically receive primary stress on the first element (e.g., 'GREENhouse', 'TOOTHbrush'). Stressing the second element would usually indicate a phrase rather than a compound noun. This rule helps learners distinguish compounds from phrases.
In compound adjectives, the stress often falls on the second element.
True
False
Compound adjectives like old-FAshioned or well-KNOWN typically stress the second element. This pattern contrasts with compound nouns and aids in distinguishing their roles in sentences. Recognizing stress placement helps with clear pronunciation.
Words ending in '-tion' always have stress on the syllable before the suffix.
False
True
In words ending in -tion (e.g., na-TION, de-VO-tion), the primary stress consistently falls on the syllable immediately preceding -tion. This is a reliable pattern for over a thousand English nouns. Dictionaries uniformly mark the pre-suffix syllable as stressed.
In verbs that begin with a prefix, the stress usually falls on the prefix.
False
True
Many prefixed verbs (e.g., de-LAY, re-LAX) place primary stress on the root rather than the prefix. Stressing the prefix is less common and typically applies to verbs where the prefix carries strong semantic weight. Recognizing root stress helps with accurate pronunciation.
In three-syllable words ending in '-ial', the stress typically falls on the first syllable.
False
True
Words like 'official' (o-FI-cial) and 'financial' (fi-NAN-cial) stress the second syllable, not the first. The -ial suffix usually carries less weight, shifting stress earlier. Recognizing this helps in pronouncing many adjectives correctly.
The word 'photography' has primary stress on the second syllable.
True
False
Photography is pronounced pho-TOG-raphy, with stress on the second syllable. This antepenultimate stress pattern is common for words ending in -graphy. Dictionaries consistently indicate the second syllable stress.
In words ending with '-graphy', the stress is on the antepenultimate syllable.
True
False
Many -graphy words (e.g., ge-OG-raphy, pho-TOG-raphy) stress the antepenultimate syllable. This follows from the general stress rule for -graphy derivatives. Consulting phonetic transcriptions confirms this pattern.
The noun 'permit' and the verb 'permit' are stressed on different syllables.
False
True
As a noun, 'permit' is pronounced PER-mit, stressing the first syllable. As a verb, it's per-MIT, stressing the second. This shift is a classic example of noun-verb stress alternation in English.
The primary stress in 'investigate' is on the first syllable.
True
False
'Investigate' is pronounced in-VES-ti-gate, with stress on the second syllable. Stressing the first syllable would be incorrect. Many dictionaries mark the second syllable as primary stress for this verb.
Words ending in '-ity' have stress on the fourth syllable from the end.
True
False
Inwords ending in -ity (e.g., re-spon-SI-bil-i-ty, u-ni-VER-si-ty), the stress falls on the antepenultimate syllable in a five-syllable word, which is the fourth from the end. This is a standard rule for nouns with the -ity suffix. Phonetic guides confirm this pattern.
The stress pattern in derived words predictably follows the stress of the root word without exception.
True
False
While some derivational patterns do preserve root stress, there are many exceptions due to added suffixes, prefixes, or changes in part of speech. For example, 'photograph' vs 'photography' shift stress. Learners must consult dictionaries for accurate stress in derived forms.
In disyllabic words where the second syllable is a suffix like '-ment', the stress is on the root syllable.
True
False
Suffixes like -ment typically do not attract stress, so words such as de-VE-lop-ment and im-PROVE-ment stress the root syllable. This rule is a helpful guideline for many English derivations. Dictionary entries verify stress placement on the root.
In the word 'characteristic', primary stress is on the fourth syllable.
False
True
Characteristic is pronounced char-ac-ter-RIS-tic, placing primary stress on the fourth syllable. This word demonstrates how longer adjectives often stress the syllable before the -ic suffix. Phonetic dictionaries mark this fourth-syllable stress.
In the word 'incomprehensible', secondary stress falls on the first syllable.
True
False
Incomprehensible is transcribed /??n.k?m.pr??h?n.s?.b?l/, with a secondary stress on the first syllable and primary stress on 'hen'. Recognizing both primary and secondary stress marks is vital for advanced pronunciation. Linguistic resources confirm this dual-stress pattern.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Identify Stress Placement -

    Learn to pinpoint the stressed syllable in common English words, improving your ability to recognize correct pronunciation patterns.

  2. Analyze True or False Patterns -

    Evaluate statements in the word stress true or false quiz to distinguish accurate stress assignments from common mistakes.

  3. Apply Stress Rules -

    Use quiz examples to apply stress pattern practice strategies, reinforcing your grasp of English pronunciation rules.

  4. Evaluate Pronunciation Accuracy -

    Self-assess your spoken responses against model answers, gaining insight into areas that need improvement.

  5. Reinforce Pattern Recognition -

    Engage with varied quiz items to strengthen your ear for subtle stress differences across word groups.

  6. Enhance Pronunciation Confidence -

    Build assurance in your spoken English through quick, targeted practice in the English word stress quiz format.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Distinguishing Primary and Secondary Stress -

    English words with more than two syllables often feature one primary stress and one or more secondary stresses, influencing their rhythm (British Council). For instance, "international" is pronounced /ˌɪntəˈnæʃənəl/, with primary stress on "na" and secondary on "in". Mastering this helps learners sound more natural and improves listening comprehension.

  2. Two-Syllable Noun vs. Verb Stress Rule -

    A common pattern is that two-syllable nouns are typically stressed on the first syllable (e.g., "TAble", "DOCtor"), while two-syllable verbs take stress on the second (e.g., "obTAIN", "reLAX") (University of Oxford). Remembering this distinction can quickly boost your accuracy in word stress true or false quizzes. Practice by sorting word lists into nouns and verbs and marking stress marks.

  3. Stress Shifts in Affixed Words (-ic, -tion, -sion) -

    Affixes like - ic, - tion, and - sion usually attract primary stress to the syllable before (e.g., "geoGRAPHic", "eleCTric", "proTECtion") (Merriam-Webster). Recognizing these suffix-driven patterns simplifies stress pattern practice by giving you reliable rules. When in doubt, identify the suffix and shift focus one syllable back.

  4. Stress Patterns in Compound Words -

    Compound nouns generally have primary stress on the first element (e.g., "GREENhouse", "HIGHway"), whereas compound adjectives and verbs often stress the second (e.g., "old-FAshioned", "underSTAND") (Cambridge Dictionary). This rule helps in an English pronunciation quiz focusing on stress distribution. Try pronouncing mixed compound lists to internalize these patterns.

  5. Memory Tricks and Practice Techniques -

    Use mnemonic phrases like "STRONG-weak-weak" for trochaic words and "weak-STRONG" for iambic words to anchor stress patterns in your memory (University of Pennsylvania). Complement this with minimal pair drills and shadowing exercises from reputable sources like the British Council's pronunciation section. Regularly timed true or false quizzes sharpen your ear and reinforce rapid recall.

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