How Many Syllables In Balsam?
2syllables
Balsam has 2 syllables, bal-sam. It is a disyllabic word.
balsam
/ˈbɒl.səm/ UK /ˈbɔːl.səm/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the first syllable, bal.
Syllable Structure
CVC/CVC
Division By Sound
/bɒl.səm/
Division By Letters
bal-sam
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Balsam
S syllable, O onset, R rime, P peak, C coda, Ø no coda.
Parts Of Each Syllable
| Syllable | Onset | Peak | Coda | Pattern | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 primary stress | b | ɒ | l | CVC | closed |
| 2 | s | ə | m | CVC | closed |
Why Balsam Divides Here
- Syllable 1 is stressed and has the short vowel /ɒ/, so it keeps a coda /l/.
Pronunciations
| Form | UK | US | Syllables |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main | /ˈbɒl.səm/ | /ˈbɔːl.səm/ | 2 |
| Also | /ˈbɔːl.səm/ | 2 |
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in balsam?
Balsam has 2 syllables, bal-sam. In British English it is transcribed /ˈbɒl.səm/.
Which syllable is stressed in balsam?
The first syllable, bal, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of balsam?
Balsam has the structure CVC/CVC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide balsam into syllables?
By sound, bɒl.səm. By letters, as a spelling guide, bal-sam.