English 2023 Q111: Choose the correct stress pattern from the options below.decorative

Question

Choose the correct stress pattern from the options below.decorative

Answer 1

Choose the correct stress pattern from the options below.decorative

DE – co – ra – tive ✓
de – CO – ra – tive
de – co – RA – tive
de – co – ra – TIVE

Explanation

“Decorative” has four syllables. The main stress falls on the first syllable: DEC-o-ra-tive.

Many learners stress the second syllable (de-CO-ra-tive), by analogy with “decorate” being said as de-CO-rate. That is wrong for this word. Stress on the third or last syllable is also wrong.

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