How Many Syllables In Infinitive?
4syllables
Infinitive has 4 syllables, in-fin-i-tive. It is a polysyllabic word.
infinitive
/ɪnˈfɪn.ɪ.tɪv/ UK /ɪnˈfɪn.ɪ.t̬ɪv/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the second syllable, fin.
Syllable Structure
VC/CVC/V/CVC
Division By Sound
/ɪn.fɪn.ɪ.tɪv/
Division By Letters
in-fin-i-tive
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Infinitive
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 | f | ɪ | n | CVC | closed |
| 3 | – | ɪ | – | V | open |
| 4 | t | ɪ | v | CVC | closed |
Why Infinitive Divides Here
- Between syllables 1 and 2, /f/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Syllable 2 is stressed and has the short vowel /ɪ/, so it keeps a coda /n/.
- Between syllables 3 and 4, /t/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in infinitive?
Infinitive has 4 syllables, in-fin-i-tive. In British English it is transcribed /ɪnˈfɪn.ɪ.tɪv/.
Which syllable is stressed in infinitive?
The second syllable, fin, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of infinitive?
Infinitive has the structure VC/CVC/V/CVC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide infinitive into syllables?
By sound, ɪn.fɪn.ɪ.tɪv. By letters, as a spelling guide, in-fin-i-tive.
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