How Many Syllables In Precarious?
4syllables
Precarious has 4 syllables, pre-ca-ri-ous. It is a polysyllabic word.
precarious
/prɪˈkeə.ri.əs/ UK /prɪˈker.i.əs/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the second syllable, ca.
Syllable Structure
CCV/CV/CV/VC
Division By Sound
/prɪ.keə.ri.əs/
Division By Letters
pre-ca-ri-ous
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Precarious
S syllable, O onset, R rime, P peak, C coda, Ø no coda.
Parts Of Each Syllable
| Syllable | Onset | Peak | Coda | Pattern | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | pr | ɪ | – | CCV | open |
| 2 primary stress | k | eə | – | CV | open |
| 3 | r | i | – | CV | open |
| 4 | – | ə | s | VC | closed |
Why Precarious Divides Here
- Between syllables 1 and 2, /k/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Between syllables 2 and 3, /r/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Two vowels meet between syllables 3 and 4, so syllable 4 has no onset.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in precarious?
Precarious has 4 syllables, pre-ca-ri-ous. In British English it is transcribed /prɪˈkeə.ri.əs/.
Which syllable is stressed in precarious?
The second syllable, ca, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of precarious?
Precarious has the structure CCV/CV/CV/VC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide precarious into syllables?
By sound, prɪ.keə.ri.əs. By letters, as a spelling guide, pre-ca-ri-ous.