How Many Syllables In Innocent?
3syllables
Innocent has 3 syllables, inn-o-cent. It is a trisyllabic word.
innocent
/ˈɪn.ə.sənt/ UK /ˈɪn.ə.sənt/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the first syllable, inn.
Syllable Structure
VC/V/CVCC
Division By Sound
/ɪn.ə.sənt/
Division By Letters
inn-o-cent
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Innocent
S syllable, O onset, R rime, P peak, C coda, Ø no coda.
Parts Of Each Syllable
| Syllable | Onset | Peak | Coda | Pattern | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 primary stress | – | ɪ | n | VC | closed |
| 2 | – | ə | – | V | open |
| 3 | s | ə | nt | CVCC | closed |
Why Innocent Divides Here
- Syllable 1 is stressed and has the short vowel /ɪ/, so it keeps a coda /n/.
- Between syllables 2 and 3, /s/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in innocent?
Innocent has 3 syllables, inn-o-cent. In British English it is transcribed /ˈɪn.ə.sənt/.
Which syllable is stressed in innocent?
The first syllable, inn, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of innocent?
Innocent has the structure VC/V/CVCC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide innocent into syllables?
By sound, ɪn.ə.sənt. By letters, as a spelling guide, inn-o-cent.