How Many Syllables In Fingernail?
3syllables
Fingernail has 3 syllables, fing-er-nail. It is a trisyllabic word.
fingernail
/ˈfɪŋ.ɡə.neɪl/ UK /ˈfɪŋ.ɡɚ.neɪl/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the first syllable, fing.
Syllable Structure
CVC/CV/CVC
Division By Sound
/fɪŋ.ɡə.neɪl/
Division By Letters
fing-er-nail
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Fingernail
S syllable, O onset, R rime, P peak, C coda, Ø no coda.
Parts Of Each Syllable
| Syllable | Onset | Peak | Coda | Pattern | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 primary stress | f | ɪ | ŋ | CVC | closed |
| 2 | ɡ | ə | – | CV | open |
| 3 | n | eɪ | l | CVC | closed |
Why Fingernail Divides Here
- Syllable 1 is stressed and has the short vowel /ɪ/, so it keeps a coda /ŋ/.
- Between syllables 2 and 3, /n/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in fingernail?
Fingernail has 3 syllables, fing-er-nail. In British English it is transcribed /ˈfɪŋ.ɡə.neɪl/.
Which syllable is stressed in fingernail?
The first syllable, fing, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of fingernail?
Fingernail has the structure CVC/CV/CVC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide fingernail into syllables?
By sound, fɪŋ.ɡə.neɪl. By letters, as a spelling guide, fing-er-nail.