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Old 10-Apr-2008, 18:45
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Default Accent in numerals

According to the dictionaries, in number names between 12-20 (do they have any name as a group, by the way?), the emphasis should be put on the last syllabe; "-teen".

Basically, you say: "thirTEEN", "fourTEEN", and so on.

But is it a fixed rule - or does it depend on the context?

I mean, whenever the number is followed by another duodecimal, one can hear some shift in the accent (or such is at least my impression).

F.e. amounts of money: "FOURteen ninety five, please"

Or dates: "it began in NINEteen thirty nine"

Thanks in advance for some explanation :)

Last edited by Vibovit; 10-Apr-2008 at 18:47. Reason: unknown
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Old 10-Apr-2008, 21:24
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Default Re: Accent in numerals

I would say, it depends on the context.

The war began in NINEteen thirty nine, not in EIGHTeen thirty nine.

Or

The war began in nineteen thirty THREE, not in nineteen thirty FOUR.

Or

I couldn't hear what you said. ThirTEEN or thirtY?

When there is no need to avoid misunderstandings, I would stick to the rule you have mentioned above.

Last edited by Snowcake; 10-Apr-2008 at 21:30.
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