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