How Many Syllables In Incompetent?
4syllables
Incompetent has 4 syllables, in-com-pe-tent. It is a polysyllabic word.
incompetent
/ɪnˈkɒm.pə.tənt/ UK /ɪnˈkɑːm.pə.t̬ənt/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the second syllable, com.
Syllable Structure
VC/CVC/CV/CVCC
Division By Sound
/ɪn.kɒm.pə.tənt/
Division By Letters
in-com-pe-tent
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Incompetent
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 | n | VC | closed |
| 2 primary stress | k | ɒ | m | CVC | closed |
| 3 | p | ə | – | CV | open |
| 4 | t | ə | nt | CVCC | closed |
Why Incompetent Divides Here
- Between syllables 1 and 2, /k/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Syllable 2 is stressed and has the short vowel /ɒ/, so it keeps a coda /m/.
- Between syllables 3 and 4, /t/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in incompetent?
Incompetent has 4 syllables, in-com-pe-tent. In British English it is transcribed /ɪnˈkɒm.pə.tənt/.
Which syllable is stressed in incompetent?
The second syllable, com, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of incompetent?
Incompetent has the structure VC/CVC/CV/CVCC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide incompetent into syllables?
By sound, ɪn.kɒm.pə.tənt. By letters, as a spelling guide, in-com-pe-tent.
Other Words With Four Syllables
judiciarynonpartisanphysicallyreferendumsubcontinentunwillingnessannuallycommendabledifficultyfabrication