How Many Syllables In Negative?
3syllables
Negative has 3 syllables, neg-a-tive. It is a trisyllabic word.
negative
/ˈneɡ.ə.tɪv/ UK /ˈneɡ.ə.t̬ɪv/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the first syllable, neg.
Syllable Structure
CVC/V/CVC
Division By Sound
/neɡ.ə.tɪv/
Division By Letters
neg-a-tive
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Negative
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 | n | e | ɡ | CVC | closed |
| 2 | – | ə | – | V | open |
| 3 | t | ɪ | v | CVC | closed |
Why Negative Divides Here
- Syllable 1 is stressed and has the short vowel /e/, so it keeps a coda /ɡ/.
- Between syllables 2 and 3, /t/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in negative?
Negative has 3 syllables, neg-a-tive. In British English it is transcribed /ˈneɡ.ə.tɪv/.
Which syllable is stressed in negative?
The first syllable, neg, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of negative?
Negative has the structure CVC/V/CVC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide negative into syllables?
By sound, neɡ.ə.tɪv. By letters, as a spelling guide, neg-a-tive.