The whole problem of this situation may have arisen due to the fact that the writing of the letter E in Russian is optional in most cases (except for words where replacing it with E may entail a change in the meaning of the word or sentence). This is the only such situation for all of our thirty-three letters of the alphabet. Why not make it mandatory?
The answer to this question can be seen on any modern computer keyboard (which, incidentally, copies the location of the keys on a typewriter). For blind typing, its location is extremely inconvenient. Or maybe it’s about saving ink when printing? One way or another, under attack is the name of one of the most widespread root crops - beets.
Proper stress in the word "beets"
Beetroot is one of the most important crops. Modern selection offers us vegetable beets (Mangold), and dining, and fodder, and sugar. Its significance is especially great in Europe. In countries where sugarcane cannot grow, production of a product such as beet sugar can hardly be overestimated. This vegetable is used to feed livestock, and for human consumption. The alcohol industry without it will not be able to produce alcohols for both technical and food purposes.
So what syllable should be emphasized in beets? Let us turn to existing dictionaries to clarify this issue. The answer is clear: emphasis is possible only on the first syllable. It is correct to use this word with the letter E. Although spelling it is optional, the pronunciation is the only correct one. Derivatives formed from the word "beets", the stress is stored on the second syllable. So, it’s right to say beetroot juice, beetroot.
In what cases is alternative stress in beets possible?
To emphasize the word “beet” on the last syllable is possible only as a literary device to demonstrate vernacular. No other options are provided for in any dictionary. In order not to be considered an uneducated person, it is unforgivable to allow such a relaxation in one's own speech. But one should not go to the other extreme - one should not rush into the ordinary conversation to correct the interlocutor if he made such a mistake, if he does not ask you for advice. You can gently indicate inaccuracy or keep silent. After all, rudeness does not justify your erudition.
How does the stress in the word “beetroot” fall
In this case, the emphasis falls on the suffix ("beetroot"). The fact is that this adjective did not come from the word “beets”, but from the noun “beets”. It denotes specific varieties of this root crop - sugar-bearing, going to the production of raw sugar. Therefore, the emphasis here is put differently. Thus, the passages from this noun will be emphasized on the third syllable: beet molasses, beet pulp, etc.
The fate of the letter E in beets
We must take into account the fact that language is not a ossified tool. He is in constant change, adapts to modern realities, to the emerging traditions of speech. Now, coffee can be of both a middle and masculine gender, the word yogurt can stress both the first and second syllables, and even the contract form is used instead of the contract. Perhaps the same fate awaits the beets. Stress depends on the popularity of one form or another of pronunciation. If the option that is now considered to be incorrect will be used by more people, then a revision is possible. But until this happens, and the Ministry of Education has not approved a double-edged form, all the same should be guided by the existing rules.