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