How Many Syllables In Especially?
4syllables
Especially has 4 syllables, e-spec-ia-lly. It is a polysyllabic word.
especially
/ɪˈspeʃ.ə.li/ UK /ɪˈspeʃ.ə.li/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the second syllable, spec.
Syllable Structure
V/CCVC/V/CV
Division By Sound
/ɪ.speʃ.ə.li/
Division By Letters
e-spec-ia-lly
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Especially
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 | – | V | open |
| 2 primary stress | sp | e | ʃ | CCVC | closed |
| 3 | – | ə | – | V | open |
| 4 | l | i | – | CV | open |
Why Especially Divides Here
- Between syllables 1 and 2, /sp/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Syllable 2 is stressed and has the short vowel /e/, so it keeps a coda /ʃ/.
- Between syllables 3 and 4, /l/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
Pronunciations
| Form | UK | US | Syllables |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main | /ɪˈspeʃ.ə.li/ | /ɪˈspeʃ.ə.li/ | 4 |
| Also | /ɪˈspeʃ.əl.i/ | 4 |
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in especially?
Especially has 4 syllables, e-spec-ia-lly. In British English it is transcribed /ɪˈspeʃ.ə.li/.
Which syllable is stressed in especially?
The second syllable, spec, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of especially?
Especially has the structure V/CCVC/V/CV, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide especially into syllables?
By sound, ɪ.speʃ.ə.li. By letters, as a spelling guide, e-spec-ia-lly.