How Many Syllables In Detective?
3syllables
Detective has 3 syllables, de-tec-tive. It is a trisyllabic word.
detective
/dɪˈtek.tɪv/ UK /dɪˈtek.tɪv/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the second syllable, tec.
Syllable Structure
CV/CVC/CVC
Division By Sound
/dɪ.tek.tɪv/
Division By Letters
de-tec-tive
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Detective
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 | t | e | k | CVC | closed |
| 3 | t | ɪ | v | CVC | closed |
Why Detective Divides Here
- Between syllables 1 and 2, /t/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Syllable 2 is stressed and has the short vowel /e/, so it keeps a coda /k/.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in detective?
Detective has 3 syllables, de-tec-tive. In British English it is transcribed /dɪˈtek.tɪv/.
Which syllable is stressed in detective?
The second syllable, tec, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of detective?
Detective has the structure CV/CVC/CVC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide detective into syllables?
By sound, dɪ.tek.tɪv. By letters, as a spelling guide, de-tec-tive.