How Many Syllables In Speculation?
4syllables
Speculation has 4 syllables, spec-u-la-tion. It is a polysyllabic word.
speculation
/ˌspek.jəˈleɪ.ʃən/ UK /ˌspek.jəˈleɪ.ʃən/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the third syllable, la.
Syllable Structure
CCVC/CV/CV/CVC
Division By Sound
/spek.jə.leɪ.ʃən/
Division By Letters
spec-u-la-tion
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Speculation
S syllable, O onset, R rime, P peak, C coda, Ø no coda.
Parts Of Each Syllable
| Syllable | Onset | Peak | Coda | Pattern | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 secondary stress | sp | e | k | CCVC | closed |
| 2 | j | ə | – | CV | open |
| 3 primary stress | l | eɪ | – | CV | open |
| 4 | ʃ | ə | n | CVC | closed |
Why Speculation Divides Here
- Syllable 1 is stressed and has the short vowel /e/, so it keeps a coda /k/.
- Between syllables 2 and 3, /l/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Between syllables 3 and 4, /ʃ/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in speculation?
Speculation has 4 syllables, spec-u-la-tion. In British English it is transcribed /ˌspek.jəˈleɪ.ʃən/.
Which syllable is stressed in speculation?
The third syllable, la, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of speculation?
Speculation has the structure CCVC/CV/CV/CVC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide speculation into syllables?
By sound, spek.jə.leɪ.ʃən. By letters, as a spelling guide, spec-u-la-tion.