How Many Syllables In Basically?
3syllables
Basically has 3 syllables, basi-ca-lly. It is a trisyllabic word.
basically
/ˈbeɪ.sɪk.li/ UK /ˈbeɪ.sɪk.li/ US
Basically can also be said with 4 syllables (UK /ˈbeɪ.sɪ.kəl.i/).
Stress
The main stress falls on the first syllable, basi.
Syllable Structure
CV/CVC/CV
Division By Sound
/beɪ.sɪk.li/
Division By Letters
basi-ca-lly
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Basically
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 | eɪ | – | CV | open |
| 2 | s | ɪ | k | CVC | closed |
| 3 | l | i | – | CV | open |
Why Basically Divides Here
- Between syllables 1 and 2, /s/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Between syllables 2 and 3, /l/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
Pronunciations
| Form | UK | US | Syllables |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main | /ˈbeɪ.sɪk.li/ | /ˈbeɪ.sɪk.li/ | 3 |
| Also | /ˈbeɪ.sɪ.kəl.i/ | 4 |
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in basically?
Basically has 3 syllables, basi-ca-lly. In British English it is transcribed /ˈbeɪ.sɪk.li/.
Which syllable is stressed in basically?
The first syllable, basi, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of basically?
Basically has the structure CV/CVC/CV, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide basically into syllables?
By sound, beɪ.sɪk.li. By letters, as a spelling guide, basi-ca-lly.