Pronunciation of certain words

[Eileen]

Why do we always pronounce the word "purchase" the same way whether it is a verb or a noun? We don't do it for words like permit or recall.

A second question...Does anyone know why we always place the stress on the second syllable for police and cement?

[MikeNewYork]

Why do we always pronounce the word "purchase" the same way whether it is a verb or a noun? We don't do it for words like permit or recall.

There are some "why" questions thatare unanswerable. This is one of them. :wink:

A second question...Does anyone know why we always place the stress on the second syllable for police and cement?

Actually, in the southern US dialect, some pronounce these words with the stress on the first syllable. :?

[Tdol]

Even worse- I've started to mix pronunciations- I would say 'human resources' BE style, but 'resource poor setting' AE style.

[MikeNewYork]

Even worse- I've started to mix pronunciations- I would say 'human resources' BE style, but 'resource poor setting' AE style.

We are getting to you, eh? :wink: