How Many Syllables In Attention?
3syllables
Attention has 3 syllables, a-tten-tion. It is a trisyllabic word.
attention
/əˈten.ʃən/ UK /əˈten.ʃən/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the second syllable, tten.
Syllable Structure
V/CVC/CVC
Division By Sound
/ə.ten.ʃən/
Division By Letters
a-tten-tion
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Attention
S syllable, O onset, R rime, P peak, C coda, Ø no coda.
Parts Of Each Syllable
| Syllable | Onset | Peak | Coda | Pattern | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | – | ə | – | V | open |
| 2 primary stress | t | e | n | CVC | closed |
| 3 | ʃ | ə | n | CVC | closed |
Why Attention Divides Here
- Between syllables 1 and 2, /t/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Syllable 2 is stressed and has the short vowel /e/, so it keeps a coda /n/.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in attention?
Attention has 3 syllables, a-tten-tion. In British English it is transcribed /əˈten.ʃən/.
Which syllable is stressed in attention?
The second syllable, tten, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of attention?
Attention has the structure V/CVC/CVC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide attention into syllables?
By sound, ə.ten.ʃən. By letters, as a spelling guide, a-tten-tion.