How Many Syllables In Existence?
3syllables
Existence has 3 syllables, ex-is-tence. It is a trisyllabic word.
existence
/ɪɡˈzɪs.təns/ UK /ɪɡˈzɪs.təns/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the second syllable, is.
Syllable Structure
VC/CVC/CVCC
Division By Sound
/ɪɡ.zɪs.təns/
Division By Letters
ex-is-tence
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Existence
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 | ɡ | VC | closed |
| 2 primary stress | z | ɪ | s | CVC | closed |
| 3 | t | ə | ns | CVCC | closed |
Why Existence Divides Here
- Between syllables 1 and 2, /z/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Syllable 2 is stressed and has the short vowel /ɪ/, so it keeps a coda /s/.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in existence?
Existence has 3 syllables, ex-is-tence. In British English it is transcribed /ɪɡˈzɪs.təns/.
Which syllable is stressed in existence?
The second syllable, is, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of existence?
Existence has the structure VC/CVC/CVCC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide existence into syllables?
By sound, ɪɡ.zɪs.təns. By letters, as a spelling guide, ex-is-tence.