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