How Many Syllables In Explanation?
4syllables
Explanation has 4 syllables, ex-pla-na-tion. It is a polysyllabic word.
explanation
/ˌek.spləˈneɪ.ʃən/ UK /ˌek.spləˈneɪ.ʃən/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the third syllable, na.
Syllable Structure
VC/CCCV/CV/CVC
Division By Sound
/ek.splə.neɪ.ʃən/
Division By Letters
ex-pla-na-tion
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Explanation
S syllable, O onset, R rime, P peak, C coda, Ø no coda.
Parts Of Each Syllable
| Syllable | Onset | Peak | Coda | Pattern | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 secondary stress | – | e | k | VC | closed |
| 2 | spl | ə | – | CCCV | open |
| 3 primary stress | n | eɪ | – | CV | open |
| 4 | ʃ | ə | n | CVC | closed |
Why Explanation Divides Here
- Syllable 1 is stressed and has the short vowel /e/, so it keeps a coda /k/.
- Between syllables 2 and 3, /n/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Between syllables 3 and 4, /ʃ/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in explanation?
Explanation has 4 syllables, ex-pla-na-tion. In British English it is transcribed /ˌek.spləˈneɪ.ʃən/.
Which syllable is stressed in explanation?
The third syllable, na, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of explanation?
Explanation has the structure VC/CCCV/CV/CVC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide explanation into syllables?
By sound, ek.splə.neɪ.ʃən. By letters, as a spelling guide, ex-pla-na-tion.