How Many Syllables In Initially?
4syllables
Initially has 4 syllables, i-nit-ia-lly. It is a polysyllabic word.
initially
/ɪˈnɪʃ.əl.i/ UK /ɪˈnɪʃ.ə.li/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the second syllable, nit.
Syllable Structure
V/CVC/VC/V
Division By Sound
/ɪ.nɪʃ.əl.i/
Division By Letters
i-nit-ia-lly
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Initially
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 | n | ɪ | ʃ | CVC | closed |
| 3 | – | ə | l | VC | closed |
| 4 | – | i | – | V | open |
Why Initially Divides Here
- Between syllables 1 and 2, /n/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Syllable 2 is stressed and has the short vowel /ɪ/, so it keeps a coda /ʃ/.
- Syllable 3 ends in /l/ because the next syllable cannot take it as an onset here.
Pronunciations
| Form | UK | US | Syllables |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main | /ɪˈnɪʃ.əl.i/ | /ɪˈnɪʃ.ə.li/ | 4 |
| Also | /ɪˈnɪʃ.ə.li/ | 4 |
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in initially?
Initially has 4 syllables, i-nit-ia-lly. In British English it is transcribed /ɪˈnɪʃ.əl.i/.
Which syllable is stressed in initially?
The second syllable, nit, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of initially?
Initially has the structure V/CVC/VC/V, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide initially into syllables?
By sound, ɪ.nɪʃ.əl.i. By letters, as a spelling guide, i-nit-ia-lly.
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