How Many Syllables In Illegally?
4syllables
Illegally has 4 syllables, i-lle-ga-lly. It is a polysyllabic word.
illegally
/ɪˈliː.ɡəl.i/ UK /ɪˈliː.ɡə.li/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the second syllable, lle.
Syllable Structure
V/CV/CVC/V
Division By Sound
/ɪ.liː.ɡəl.i/
Division By Letters
i-lle-ga-lly
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Illegally
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 | l | iː | – | CV | open |
| 3 | ɡ | ə | l | CVC | closed |
| 4 | – | i | – | V | open |
Why Illegally Divides Here
- Between syllables 1 and 2, /l/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Between syllables 2 and 3, /ɡ/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Syllable 3 ends in /l/ because the next syllable cannot take it as an onset here.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in illegally?
Illegally has 4 syllables, i-lle-ga-lly. In British English it is transcribed /ɪˈliː.ɡəl.i/.
Which syllable is stressed in illegally?
The second syllable, lle, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of illegally?
Illegally has the structure V/CV/CVC/V, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide illegally into syllables?
By sound, ɪ.liː.ɡəl.i. By letters, as a spelling guide, i-lle-ga-lly.
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