How Many Syllables In Indirect?
3syllables
Indirect has 3 syllables, in-di-rect. It is a trisyllabic word.
indirect
/ˌɪn.dɪˈrekt/ UK /ˌɪn.dəˈrekt/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the third syllable, rect.
Syllable Structure
VC/CV/CVCC
Division By Sound
/ɪn.dɪ.rekt/
Division By Letters
in-di-rect
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Indirect
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 | r | e | kt | CVCC | closed |
Why Indirect Divides Here
- Syllable 1 is stressed and has the short vowel /ɪ/, so it keeps a coda /n/.
- Between syllables 2 and 3, /r/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
Pronunciations
| Form | UK | US | Syllables |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main | /ˌɪn.dɪˈrekt/ | /ˌɪn.dəˈrekt/ | 3 |
| Also | /ˌɪn.daɪˈrekt/ | 3 |
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in indirect?
Indirect has 3 syllables, in-di-rect. In British English it is transcribed /ˌɪn.dɪˈrekt/.
Which syllable is stressed in indirect?
The third syllable, rect, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of indirect?
Indirect has the structure VC/CV/CVCC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide indirect into syllables?
By sound, ɪn.dɪ.rekt. By letters, as a spelling guide, in-di-rect.