Where does the stress in the word “contract” fall? Such a question is very often of interest to those who regularly deal with various documents and constantly hold meetings where it is required to use the mentioned lexical unit all the time. In this regard, we decided to devote this article to this topic.
general information
On how to properly say the word "contract", few know. Moreover, not everyone knows how to form the plural of such a lexical unit. After all, someone is used to saying “treaties”, but someone is more comfortable with “treaties”. But in order not to be considered an illiterate person, it is recommended to remember the rule of the Russian language, which indicates the correct stress in this word, and its form in the plural.
Proper accent in the word contract
It should be noted that in the Russian language there is an incredible number of words, the stress of which is doubtful. And it is often possible to identify an illiterate person by asking him only a simple question about where the stress in the word “contract” falls? Although, according to experts, such a lexical unit can be pronounced with emphasis on both the first and third syllables. If you still doubt this information, we suggest that you look into the directory or the modern dictionary of the Russian language. After all, it was recorded there that the word “agreement” can be uttered in absolutely any way (“agreement” or “agreement”).
However, it should be noted that in contrast to such lexical units as “barge-barge” or “tworog - tvorog”, when both options are equally considered common in Russian, the word “contract” still has its own peculiarities. Consider them right now.
When should stress be placed on the first syllable?
As mentioned above, the stress in the word “contract” can be put on the first syllable, that is, pronounce as follows: “Contract”. But, according to modern dictionaries of the Russian language, such a form is considered permissible only in unofficial spoken language. In other words, the presented version of the lexical unit (with emphasis on the first syllable) can be used only in ordinary conversation or dialogue. Moreover, such a form, if it is used during an informal meeting, should in no way affect your reputation as a competent person.
When should stress be placed on the second syllable?
A little higher, we found out that the stress in the word “contract” can be put on the first syllable, but only in unofficial (conversational) speech. As for literary norms, only the last vowel should be in the stressed position. Thus, at business meetings, during public speaking and so on. should say only "agreement". Otherwise, students have every right to correct you.
If you use such a lexical unit (with emphasis on the last syllable) during an unofficial conversation, then no one can reproach you with a poor knowledge of the Russian language.
Plural
So, the correct pronunciation of the word is “agreement” (that is, with emphasis on the last syllable). Although it is possible to use such a lexical unit as “Agreement” (that is, the emphasis falls on the first syllable), but only in unofficial colloquial speech. It should be noted that these same laws are preserved when you need to put the word in the plural form.
Literary norm
How will the word “contract” be pronounced in the plural? Where the stress falls in it, we examined a little higher. In all modern dictionaries of the Russian language, it is said that such a lexical unit has the following plural form: “treaties” (in the genitive case, “treaties”). It should be especially noted that this is a literary norm, that is, this word can be used without hesitation both at official meetings, and in ordinary conversation with colleagues, partners, etc. However, no one can blame you for not knowing the basic Russian language rules.
Colloquial speech
As with stress, the word mentioned above can take on completely different plural forms. Moreover, if the lexical unit “agreements” is used only at official meetings, business events, etc., then “agreement” (with emphasis on the end) is allowed to be used only in colloquial speech. By the way, in the genitive case, such a word will sound as follows: “contract”. But if you pronounce this lexical unit at an official meeting, then your colleagues can easily make you a comment.
To summarize
So, now you know how to pronounce the word "contract" and how to form the plural from it. In order to once and for all remember this feature of the Russian language, we will repeat the material covered in brief:
- The word “agreement” (emphasis on the last syllable) is a literary norm. It can be used both in colloquial speech, and at official receptions.
- The word "Agreement" (emphasis on the first syllable) is allowed to be used only in colloquial speech.
- Words in the plural of “treaties” and “treaties” (emphasis on the third syllable) are the literary norm. They can be used both in colloquial speech and at official receptions.
- The words in the plural “contract” and “contract” (accent on the end) are allowed to be used only in colloquial speech.
Way out
Agree, in the Russian language there are quite a few words, the stress of which is in question. And not everyone is able to remember all these subtleties and nuances. Thus, if you need to use the lexical unit “contract”, but you don’t remember how and in which cases one or another option should be used, we suggest replacing it with the most suitable synonym. Here is a good example:
- “Today we need to sign a lot of contracts” or “Today we need to sign a lot of papers.”
- “When does this treaty expire?” or "When does this document expire?"
- “We need to conclude this agreement” or “We need to conclude this transaction” and so on.