How Many Syllables In Reference?
3syllables
Reference has 3 syllables, ref-er-ence. It is a trisyllabic word.
reference
/ˈref.ər.əns/ UK /ˈref.rəns/ US
Reference can also be said with 2 syllables (UK /ˈref.rəns/).
Stress
The main stress falls on the first syllable, ref.
Syllable Structure
CVC/VC/VCC
Division By Sound
/ref.ər.əns/
Division By Letters
ref-er-ence
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Reference
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 | r | e | f | CVC | closed |
| 2 | – | ə | r | VC | closed |
| 3 | – | ə | ns | VCC | closed |
Why Reference Divides Here
- Syllable 1 is stressed and has the short vowel /e/, so it keeps a coda /f/.
- Syllable 2 ends in /r/ because the next syllable cannot take it as an onset here.
Pronunciations
| Form | UK | US | Syllables |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main | /ˈref.ər.əns/ | /ˈref.rəns/ | 3 |
| Also | /ˈref.rəns/ | 2 |
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in reference?
Reference has 3 syllables, ref-er-ence. In British English it is transcribed /ˈref.ər.əns/.
Which syllable is stressed in reference?
The first syllable, ref, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of reference?
Reference has the structure CVC/VC/VCC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide reference into syllables?
By sound, ref.ər.əns. By letters, as a spelling guide, ref-er-ence.