We can build longer words by adding parts to the beginning or end of
shorter words. Usually, this does nor change the stress: it stays on
the same syllable as in the original word. Look at the example below.
un
for for for for for
get get get gett gett
ful ful a a
ness ble ble
Here is a list of beginnings and endings which do not change the stress of the shorter word:
The ending -ic also moves the stress to the syllable before it. Listen to these examples.
scientist economy atom artist
scientific economic atomic artistic
Note: When a syllable changes from unstressed to
stressed, or stressed to unstressed, the vowel sound often changes. For
example the letter O in atom is pronounced /∂/, but in atomic, it is pronounced /o/, the A in atom is pronounced /æ/ but in atomic it is /∂/. Note: The ending -al does not change the stress of the word (see A above), so, for example, the stress is on the same syllable in these two words: economic economical.
Write the words from the box in the correct part of the table according to the stress pattern. Key.
population telecommunication nation
identification relation communication
pronunciation scientific clinic
romantic pessimistic investigation
public discussion