How Many Syllables In Certainly?
3syllables
Certainly has 3 syllables, cer-tain-ly. It is a trisyllabic word.
certainly
/ˈsɜː.tən.li/ UK /ˈsɝː.t̬ən.li/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the first syllable, cer.
Syllable Structure
CV/CVC/CV
Division By Sound
/sɜː.tən.li/
Division By Letters
cer-tain-ly
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Certainly
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 | s | ɜː | – | CV | open |
| 2 | t | ə | n | CVC | closed |
| 3 | l | i | – | CV | open |
Why Certainly Divides Here
- Between syllables 1 and 2, /t/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Between syllables 2 and 3, /l/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in certainly?
Certainly has 3 syllables, cer-tain-ly. In British English it is transcribed /ˈsɜː.tən.li/.
Which syllable is stressed in certainly?
The first syllable, cer, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of certainly?
Certainly has the structure CV/CVC/CV, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide certainly into syllables?
By sound, sɜː.tən.li. By letters, as a spelling guide, cer-tain-ly.