How Many Syllables In Responsible?
4syllables
Responsible has 4 syllables, re-spon-si-ble. It is a polysyllabic word.
responsible
/rɪˈspɒn.sə.bəl/ UK /rɪˈspɑːn.sə.bəl/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the second syllable, spon.
Syllable Structure
CV/CCVC/CV/CVC
Division By Sound
/rɪ.spɒn.sə.bəl/
Division By Letters
re-spon-si-ble
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Responsible
S syllable, O onset, R rime, P peak, C coda, Ø no coda.
Parts Of Each Syllable
| Syllable | Onset | Peak | Coda | Pattern | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | r | ɪ | – | CV | open |
| 2 primary stress | sp | ɒ | n | CCVC | closed |
| 3 | s | ə | – | CV | open |
| 4 | b | ə | l | CVC | closed |
Why Responsible Divides Here
- Between syllables 1 and 2, /sp/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Syllable 2 is stressed and has the short vowel /ɒ/, so it keeps a coda /n/.
- Between syllables 3 and 4, /b/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in responsible?
Responsible has 4 syllables, re-spon-si-ble. In British English it is transcribed /rɪˈspɒn.sə.bəl/.
Which syllable is stressed in responsible?
The second syllable, spon, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of responsible?
Responsible has the structure CV/CCVC/CV/CVC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide responsible into syllables?
By sound, rɪ.spɒn.sə.bəl. By letters, as a spelling guide, re-spon-si-ble.