How Many Syllables In Premature?
3syllables
Premature has 3 syllables, prem-a-ture. It is a trisyllabic word.
premature
/ˈprem.ə.tʃə/ UK /ˌpriː.məˈtʃʊr/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the first syllable, prem.
Syllable Structure
CCVC/V/CV
Division By Sound
/prem.ə.tʃə/
Division By Letters
prem-a-ture
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Premature
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 | pr | e | m | CCVC | closed |
| 2 | – | ə | – | V | open |
| 3 | tʃ | ə | – | CV | open |
Why Premature Divides Here
- Syllable 1 is stressed and has the short vowel /e/, so it keeps a coda /m/.
- Between syllables 2 and 3, /tʃ/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
Pronunciations
| Form | UK | US | Syllables |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main | /ˈprem.ə.tʃə/ | /ˌpriː.məˈtʃʊr/ | 3 |
| Also | /ˌprem.əˈtʃʊə/ | 3 |
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in premature?
Premature has 3 syllables, prem-a-ture. In British English it is transcribed /ˈprem.ə.tʃə/.
Which syllable is stressed in premature?
The first syllable, prem, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of premature?
Premature has the structure CCVC/V/CV, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide premature into syllables?
By sound, prem.ə.tʃə. By letters, as a spelling guide, prem-a-ture.