How Many Syllables In Clumsily?
3syllables
Clumsily has 3 syllables, clum-si-ly. It is a trisyllabic word.
clumsily
/ˈklʌm.sə.li/ UK /ˈklʌm.sə.li/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the first syllable, clum.
Syllable Structure
CCVC/CV/CV
Division By Sound
/klʌm.sə.li/
Division By Letters
clum-si-ly
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Clumsily
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 | ʌ | m | CCVC | closed |
| 2 | s | ə | – | CV | open |
| 3 | l | i | – | CV | open |
Why Clumsily Divides Here
- Syllable 1 is stressed and has the short vowel /ʌ/, so it keeps a coda /m/.
- Between syllables 2 and 3, /l/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in clumsily?
Clumsily has 3 syllables, clum-si-ly. In British English it is transcribed /ˈklʌm.sə.li/.
Which syllable is stressed in clumsily?
The first syllable, clum, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of clumsily?
Clumsily has the structure CCVC/CV/CV, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide clumsily into syllables?
By sound, klʌm.sə.li. By letters, as a spelling guide, clum-si-ly.