GCEEnglish LanguageOral English2023

In which of the following sentences does the word 'present' function as a verb and carry stress on the second syllable?

AShe received a present from her uncle.
BAll present members should sign the register.
CThe chairman will present the award tonight.CORRECT
DThe present situation is worrying.
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Why the answer is C, and why the others tempt you.
In option C, 'present' is used as a verb meaning 'to give or introduce formally', and is therefore stressed on the second syllable: pre-SENT /prɪˈzɛnt/. In options A, B, and D, 'present' functions as a noun or adjective and is stressed on the first syllable: PRE-sent /ˈprɛzənt/. This illustrates the noun-verb stress shift common in English.
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