How Many Syllables In Policy?
3syllables
Policy has 3 syllables, pol-i-cy. It is a trisyllabic word.
policy
/ˈpɒl.ə.si/ UK /ˈpɑː.lə.si/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the first syllable, pol.
Syllable Structure
CVC/V/CV
Division By Sound
/pɒl.ə.si/
Division By Letters
pol-i-cy
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Policy
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 | p | ɒ | l | CVC | closed |
| 2 | – | ə | – | V | open |
| 3 | s | i | – | CV | open |
Why Policy Divides Here
- Syllable 1 is stressed and has the short vowel /ɒ/, so it keeps a coda /l/.
- Between syllables 2 and 3, /s/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in policy?
Policy has 3 syllables, pol-i-cy. In British English it is transcribed /ˈpɒl.ə.si/.
Which syllable is stressed in policy?
The first syllable, pol, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of policy?
Policy has the structure CVC/V/CV, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide policy into syllables?
By sound, pɒl.ə.si. By letters, as a spelling guide, pol-i-cy.