How Many Syllables In Cleanliness?
3syllables
Cleanliness has 3 syllables, clean-li-ness. It is a trisyllabic word.
cleanliness
/ˈklen.li.nəs/ UK /ˈklen.li.nəs/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the first syllable, clean.
Syllable Structure
CCVC/CV/CVC
Division By Sound
/klen.li.nəs/
Division By Letters
clean-li-ness
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Cleanliness
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 | kl | e | n | CCVC | closed |
| 2 | l | i | – | CV | open |
| 3 | n | ə | s | CVC | closed |
Why Cleanliness Divides Here
- Syllable 1 is stressed and has the short vowel /e/, so it keeps a coda /n/.
- Between syllables 2 and 3, /n/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
Pronunciations
| Form | UK | US | Syllables |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main | /ˈklen.li.nəs/ | /ˈklen.li.nəs/ | 3 |
| Also | /ˈklen.li.nɪs/ | 3 |
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in cleanliness?
Cleanliness has 3 syllables, clean-li-ness. In British English it is transcribed /ˈklen.li.nəs/.
Which syllable is stressed in cleanliness?
The first syllable, clean, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of cleanliness?
Cleanliness has the structure CCVC/CV/CVC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide cleanliness into syllables?
By sound, klen.li.nəs. By letters, as a spelling guide, clean-li-ness.