How Many Syllables In Embarrassing?
4syllables
Embarrassing has 4 syllables, em-barr-a-ssing. It is a polysyllabic word.
embarrassing
/ɪmˈbær.ə.sɪŋ/ UK /ɪmˈber.ə.sɪŋ/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the second syllable, barr.
Syllable Structure
VC/CVC/V/CVC
Division By Sound
/ɪm.bær.ə.sɪŋ/
Division By Letters
em-barr-a-ssing
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Embarrassing
S syllable, O onset, R rime, P peak, C coda, Ø no coda.
Parts Of Each Syllable
| Syllable | Onset | Peak | Coda | Pattern | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | – | ɪ | m | VC | closed |
| 2 primary stress | b | æ | r | CVC | closed |
| 3 | – | ə | – | V | open |
| 4 | s | ɪ | ŋ | CVC | closed |
Why Embarrassing Divides Here
- Between syllables 1 and 2, /b/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Syllable 2 is stressed and has the short vowel /æ/, so it keeps a coda /r/.
- Between syllables 3 and 4, /s/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in embarrassing?
Embarrassing has 4 syllables, em-barr-a-ssing. In British English it is transcribed /ɪmˈbær.ə.sɪŋ/.
Which syllable is stressed in embarrassing?
The second syllable, barr, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of embarrassing?
Embarrassing has the structure VC/CVC/V/CVC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide embarrassing into syllables?
By sound, ɪm.bær.ə.sɪŋ. By letters, as a spelling guide, em-barr-a-ssing.