How Many Syllables In Backfire?
2syllables
Backfire has 2 syllables, back-fire. It is a disyllabic word.
backfire
/ˌbækˈfaɪə/ UK /ˈbæk.faɪr/ US
Backfire can also be said with 3 syllables (UK /ˌbækˈfaɪ.ə/).
Stress
The main stress falls on the second syllable, fire.
Syllable Structure
CVC/CV
Division By Sound
/bæk.faɪə/
Division By Letters
back-fire
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Backfire
S syllable, O onset, R rime, P peak, C coda, Ø no coda.
Parts Of Each Syllable
| Syllable | Onset | Peak | Coda | Pattern | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 secondary stress | b | æ | k | CVC | closed |
| 2 primary stress | f | aɪə | – | CV | open |
Why Backfire Divides Here
- Syllable 1 is stressed and has the short vowel /æ/, so it keeps a coda /k/.
Pronunciations
| Form | UK | US | Syllables |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main | /ˌbækˈfaɪə/ | /ˈbæk.faɪr/ | 2 |
| Also | /ˌbækˈfaɪ.ə/ | 3 |
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in backfire?
Backfire has 2 syllables, back-fire. In British English it is transcribed /ˌbækˈfaɪə/.
Which syllable is stressed in backfire?
The second syllable, fire, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of backfire?
Backfire has the structure CVC/CV, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide backfire into syllables?
By sound, bæk.faɪə. By letters, as a spelling guide, back-fire.