How Many Syllables In Intonation?
4syllables
Intonation has 4 syllables, in-to-na-tion. It is a polysyllabic word.
intonation
/ˌɪn.təˈneɪ.ʃən/ UK /ˌɪn.t̬əˈneɪ.ʃən/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the third syllable, na.
Syllable Structure
VC/CV/CV/CVC
Division By Sound
/ɪn.tə.neɪ.ʃən/
Division By Letters
in-to-na-tion
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Intonation
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 | n | eɪ | – | CV | open |
| 4 | ʃ | ə | n | CVC | closed |
Why Intonation Divides Here
- Syllable 1 is stressed and has the short vowel /ɪ/, so it keeps a coda /n/.
- Between syllables 2 and 3, /n/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Between syllables 3 and 4, /ʃ/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in intonation?
Intonation has 4 syllables, in-to-na-tion. In British English it is transcribed /ˌɪn.təˈneɪ.ʃən/.
Which syllable is stressed in intonation?
The third syllable, na, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of intonation?
Intonation has the structure VC/CV/CV/CVC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide intonation into syllables?
By sound, ɪn.tə.neɪ.ʃən. By letters, as a spelling guide, in-to-na-tion.