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Decades ago, Daniel Jones stated that it is practically impossible to formulate generalizations regarding primary stress placement in English. In spite of its pessimistic nature, this view has been widely accepted. in this paper, we aim to review different theoretical approaches put forward to predict and provide an explanation to English stress behaviour. We shall focus on those specific aspects that may prove useful for the teaching of English as a foreign language. This overview comprises structuralist phonology, generative phonology in its different formulations, metrical and rhythmic theory and, finally, Optimality Theory. These provide support in favour of the claim that stating generalizations concerning English stress is more plausible than Jones suggested.. We conclude that while it is sensible to say that English primary stress is predictable in a majority of word, it is necessary to acknowledge that no approach can account for the stress patterning of all English words. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]