How Many Syllables In Inoffensive?
4syllables
Inoffensive has 4 syllables, in-o-ffen-sive. It is a polysyllabic word.
inoffensive
/ˌɪn.əˈfen.sɪv/ UK /ˌɪn.əˈfen.sɪv/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the third syllable, ffen.
Syllable Structure
VC/V/CVC/CVC
Division By Sound
/ɪn.ə.fen.sɪv/
Division By Letters
in-o-ffen-sive
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Inoffensive
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 | – | ə | – | V | open |
| 3 primary stress | f | e | n | CVC | closed |
| 4 | s | ɪ | v | CVC | closed |
Why Inoffensive Divides Here
- Syllable 1 is stressed and has the short vowel /ɪ/, so it keeps a coda /n/.
- Between syllables 2 and 3, /f/ 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 inoffensive?
Inoffensive has 4 syllables, in-o-ffen-sive. In British English it is transcribed /ˌɪn.əˈfen.sɪv/.
Which syllable is stressed in inoffensive?
The third syllable, ffen, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of inoffensive?
Inoffensive has the structure VC/V/CVC/CVC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide inoffensive into syllables?
By sound, ɪn.ə.fen.sɪv. By letters, as a spelling guide, in-o-ffen-sive.