Noun vs Verb Stress: Present, Record and More

English has many words that look identical but sound different depending on their grammar. In this video, you will practice five more noun and verb pairs where the stress changes. Remember the rule: nouns are usually stressed on the first syllable, and verbs on the second. 'A PREsent' is a gift, while 'to preSENT' means to show or give a presentation. 'A REcord' is a written note or the best result ever achieved, while 'to reCORD' means to save sound or video. 'A PERmit' is an official document that allows you to do something, while 'to perMIT' means to allow. 'REfuse' as a noun means rubbish or waste, a formal word you may see on signs, while 'reFUSE' as a verb means to say no. 'A SUSpect' is a person who may have committed a crime, while 'to susPECT' means to think something is probably true. Notice how the meaning can change a lot, not just the grammar. Using the wrong stress can confuse listeners. Watch the video, listen carefully to each pair, and repeat them aloud. Then create sentences like: I want to record a new record.