How Many Syllables In Probably?
3syllables
Probably has 3 syllables, prob-a-bly. It is a trisyllabic word.
probably
/ˈprɒb.ə.bli/ UK /ˈprɑː.bə.bli/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the first syllable, prob.
Syllable Structure
CCVC/V/CCV
Division By Sound
/prɒb.ə.bli/
Division By Letters
prob-a-bly
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Probably
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 | ɒ | b | CCVC | closed |
| 2 | – | ə | – | V | open |
| 3 | bl | i | – | CCV | open |
Why Probably Divides Here
- Syllable 1 is stressed and has the short vowel /ɒ/, so it keeps a coda /b/.
- Between syllables 2 and 3, /bl/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in probably?
Probably has 3 syllables, prob-a-bly. In British English it is transcribed /ˈprɒb.ə.bli/.
Which syllable is stressed in probably?
The first syllable, prob, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of probably?
Probably has the structure CCVC/V/CCV, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide probably into syllables?
By sound, prɒb.ə.bli. By letters, as a spelling guide, prob-a-bly.