How Many Syllables In Interstate?
3syllables
Interstate has 3 syllables, in-ter-state. It is a trisyllabic word.
interstate
/ˌɪn.təˈsteɪt/ UK /ˌɪn.t̬ɚˈsteɪt/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the third syllable, state.
Syllable Structure
VC/CV/CCVC
Division By Sound
/ɪn.tə.steɪt/
Division By Letters
in-ter-state
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Interstate
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 | t | ə | – | CV | open |
| 3 primary stress | st | eɪ | t | CCVC | closed |
Why Interstate Divides Here
- Syllable 1 is stressed and has the short vowel /ɪ/, so it keeps a coda /n/.
- Between syllables 2 and 3, /st/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in interstate?
Interstate has 3 syllables, in-ter-state. In British English it is transcribed /ˌɪn.təˈsteɪt/.
Which syllable is stressed in interstate?
The third syllable, state, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of interstate?
Interstate has the structure VC/CV/CCVC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide interstate into syllables?
By sound, ɪn.tə.steɪt. By letters, as a spelling guide, in-ter-state.