How Many Syllables In Calculate?
3syllables
Calculate has 3 syllables, cal-cu-late. It is a trisyllabic word.
calculate
/ˈkæl.kjʊ.leɪt/ UK /ˈkæl.kjə.leɪt/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the first syllable, cal.
Syllable Structure
CVC/CCV/CVC
Division By Sound
/kæl.kjʊ.leɪt/
Division By Letters
cal-cu-late
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Calculate
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 | k | æ | l | CVC | closed |
| 2 | kj | ʊ | – | CCV | open |
| 3 | l | eɪ | t | CVC | closed |
Why Calculate Divides Here
- Syllable 1 is stressed and has the short vowel /æ/, so it keeps a coda /l/.
- Between syllables 2 and 3, /l/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in calculate?
Calculate has 3 syllables, cal-cu-late. In British English it is transcribed /ˈkæl.kjʊ.leɪt/.
Which syllable is stressed in calculate?
The first syllable, cal, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of calculate?
Calculate has the structure CVC/CCV/CVC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide calculate into syllables?
By sound, kæl.kjʊ.leɪt. By letters, as a spelling guide, cal-cu-late.