How Many Syllables In Careless?
2syllables
Careless has 2 syllables, care-less. It is a disyllabic word.
careless
/ˈkeə.ləs/ UK /ˈker.ləs/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the first syllable, care.
Syllable Structure
CV/CVC
Division By Sound
/keə.ləs/
Division By Letters
care-less
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Careless
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 | eə | – | CV | open |
| 2 | l | ə | s | CVC | closed |
Why Careless Divides Here
- Between syllables 1 and 2, /l/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
Pronunciations
| Form | UK | US | Syllables |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main | /ˈkeə.ləs/ | /ˈker.ləs/ | 2 |
| Also | /ˈkeə.lɪs/ | 2 |
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in careless?
Careless has 2 syllables, care-less. In British English it is transcribed /ˈkeə.ləs/.
Which syllable is stressed in careless?
The first syllable, care, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of careless?
Careless has the structure CV/CVC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide careless into syllables?
By sound, keə.ləs. By letters, as a spelling guide, care-less.