How Many Syllables In Sufficient?
3syllables
Sufficient has 3 syllables, su-ffic-ient. It is a trisyllabic word.
sufficient
/səˈfɪʃ.ənt/ UK /səˈfɪʃ.ənt/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the second syllable, ffic.
Syllable Structure
CV/CVC/VCC
Division By Sound
/sə.fɪʃ.ənt/
Division By Letters
su-ffic-ient
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Sufficient
S syllable, O onset, R rime, P peak, C coda, Ø no coda.
Parts Of Each Syllable
| Syllable | Onset | Peak | Coda | Pattern | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | s | ə | – | CV | open |
| 2 primary stress | f | ɪ | ʃ | CVC | closed |
| 3 | – | ə | nt | VCC | closed |
Why Sufficient Divides Here
- Between syllables 1 and 2, /f/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Syllable 2 is stressed and has the short vowel /ɪ/, so it keeps a coda /ʃ/.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in sufficient?
Sufficient has 3 syllables, su-ffic-ient. In British English it is transcribed /səˈfɪʃ.ənt/.
Which syllable is stressed in sufficient?
The second syllable, ffic, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of sufficient?
Sufficient has the structure CV/CVC/VCC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide sufficient into syllables?
By sound, sə.fɪʃ.ənt. By letters, as a spelling guide, su-ffic-ient.