How Many Syllables In Competently?
4syllables
Competently has 4 syllables, com-pe-tent-ly. It is a polysyllabic word.
competently
/ˈkɒm.pɪ.tənt.li/ UK /ˈkɑːm.pə.t̬ənt.li/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the first syllable, com.
Syllable Structure
CVC/CV/CVCC/CV
Division By Sound
/kɒm.pɪ.tənt.li/
Division By Letters
com-pe-tent-ly
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Competently
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 | ɒ | m | CVC | closed |
| 2 | p | ɪ | – | CV | open |
| 3 | t | ə | nt | CVCC | closed |
| 4 | l | i | – | CV | open |
Why Competently Divides Here
- Syllable 1 is stressed and has the short vowel /ɒ/, so it keeps a coda /m/.
- Between syllables 2 and 3, /t/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Between syllables 3 and 4, /l/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in competently?
Competently has 4 syllables, com-pe-tent-ly. In British English it is transcribed /ˈkɒm.pɪ.tənt.li/.
Which syllable is stressed in competently?
The first syllable, com, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of competently?
Competently has the structure CVC/CV/CVCC/CV, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide competently into syllables?
By sound, kɒm.pɪ.tənt.li. By letters, as a spelling guide, com-pe-tent-ly.