How Many Syllables In Alternative?
4syllables
Alternative has 4 syllables, al-ter-na-tive. It is a polysyllabic word.
alternative
/ɔːlˈtɜː.nə.tɪv/ UK /ɔːlˈtɝː.nə.t̬ɪv/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the second syllable, ter.
Syllable Structure
VC/CV/CV/CVC
Division By Sound
/ɔːl.tɜː.nə.tɪv/
Division By Letters
al-ter-na-tive
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Alternative
S syllable, O onset, R rime, P peak, C coda, Ø no coda.
Parts Of Each Syllable
| Syllable | Onset | Peak | Coda | Pattern | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | – | ɔː | l | VC | closed |
| 2 primary stress | t | ɜː | – | CV | open |
| 3 | n | ə | – | CV | open |
| 4 | t | ɪ | v | CVC | closed |
Why Alternative Divides Here
- Between syllables 1 and 2, /t/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Between syllables 2 and 3, /n/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Between syllables 3 and 4, /t/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in alternative?
Alternative has 4 syllables, al-ter-na-tive. In British English it is transcribed /ɔːlˈtɜː.nə.tɪv/.
Which syllable is stressed in alternative?
The second syllable, ter, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of alternative?
Alternative has the structure VC/CV/CV/CVC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide alternative into syllables?
By sound, ɔːl.tɜː.nə.tɪv. By letters, as a spelling guide, al-ter-na-tive.
Other Words With Four Syllables
Words With The Same Structure, VC/CV/CV/CVC
applicationaspirationengineeringindicationinformationinsatiableintonationinvitationobligationoxidation