Question

In which of these sentences is the first syllable in the word "present" stressed?

A
I didn't know we'd have to present our reports this Tuesday.

B
The scientists stood to present their discovery to the eager crowd.

C
I was so happy with the wonderful present I got for my birthday.

D
It's time to discuss this week's news. Who'd like to present their headline first?

Answer 1

The first syllable in the word "present" is stressed in sentence C, when it's used as a noun meaning a gift.

Step-by-step explanation:

In these sentences, the first syllable in the word "present" is stressed in sentence C: "I was so happy with the wonderful present I got for my birthday." When "present" is used as a noun, meaning a gift, the first syllable is stressed (PRE-sent). However, when "present" is used as a verb, meaning to show or give something, the second syllable is stressed (pre-SENT), as seen in sentences A, B, and D. Sentence C is the only one using "present" as a noun.