How Many Syllables In Precaution?
3syllables
Precaution has 3 syllables, pre-cau-tion. It is a trisyllabic word.
precaution
/prɪˈkɔː.ʃən/ UK /prɪˈkɔː.ʃən/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the second syllable, cau.
Syllable Structure
CCV/CV/CVC
Division By Sound
/prɪ.kɔː.ʃən/
Division By Letters
pre-cau-tion
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Precaution
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 | ɔː | – | CV | open |
| 3 | ʃ | ə | n | CVC | closed |
Why Precaution Divides Here
- Between syllables 1 and 2, /k/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Between syllables 2 and 3, /ʃ/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in precaution?
Precaution has 3 syllables, pre-cau-tion. In British English it is transcribed /prɪˈkɔː.ʃən/.
Which syllable is stressed in precaution?
The second syllable, cau, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of precaution?
Precaution has the structure CCV/CV/CVC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide precaution into syllables?
By sound, prɪ.kɔː.ʃən. By letters, as a spelling guide, pre-cau-tion.