How Many Syllables In Descriptive?
3syllables
Descriptive has 3 syllables, de-scrip-tive. It is a trisyllabic word.
descriptive
/dɪˈskrɪp.tɪv/ UK /dɪˈskrɪp.tɪv/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the second syllable, scrip.
Syllable Structure
CV/CCCVC/CVC
Division By Sound
/dɪ.skrɪp.tɪv/
Division By Letters
de-scrip-tive
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Descriptive
S syllable, O onset, R rime, P peak, C coda, Ø no coda.
Parts Of Each Syllable
| Syllable | Onset | Peak | Coda | Pattern | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | d | ɪ | – | CV | open |
| 2 primary stress | skr | ɪ | p | CCCVC | closed |
| 3 | t | ɪ | v | CVC | closed |
Why Descriptive Divides Here
- Between syllables 1 and 2, /skr/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Syllable 2 is stressed and has the short vowel /ɪ/, so it keeps a coda /p/.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in descriptive?
Descriptive has 3 syllables, de-scrip-tive. In British English it is transcribed /dɪˈskrɪp.tɪv/.
Which syllable is stressed in descriptive?
The second syllable, scrip, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of descriptive?
Descriptive has the structure CV/CCCVC/CVC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide descriptive into syllables?
By sound, dɪ.skrɪp.tɪv. By letters, as a spelling guide, de-scrip-tive.