How Many Syllables In Independent?
4syllables
Independent has 4 syllables, in-de-pen-dent. It is a polysyllabic word.
independent
/ˌɪn.dɪˈpen.dənt/ UK /ˌɪn.dəˈpen.dənt/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the third syllable, pen.
Syllable Structure
VC/CV/CVC/CVCC
Division By Sound
/ɪn.dɪ.pen.dənt/
Division By Letters
in-de-pen-dent
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Independent
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 | – | ɪ | n | VC | closed |
| 2 | d | ɪ | – | CV | open |
| 3 primary stress | p | e | n | CVC | closed |
| 4 | d | ə | nt | CVCC | closed |
Why Independent Divides Here
- Syllable 1 is stressed and has the short vowel /ɪ/, so it keeps a coda /n/.
- Between syllables 2 and 3, /p/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Syllable 3 is stressed and has the short vowel /e/, so it keeps a coda /n/.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in independent?
Independent has 4 syllables, in-de-pen-dent. In British English it is transcribed /ˌɪn.dɪˈpen.dənt/.
Which syllable is stressed in independent?
The third syllable, pen, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of independent?
Independent has the structure VC/CV/CVC/CVCC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide independent into syllables?
By sound, ɪn.dɪ.pen.dənt. By letters, as a spelling guide, in-de-pen-dent.