How Many Syllables In Topical?
3syllables
Topical has 3 syllables, top-i-cal. It is a trisyllabic word.
topical
/ˈtɒp.ə.kəl/ UK /ˈtɑː.pə.kəl/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the first syllable, top.
Syllable Structure
CVC/V/CVC
Division By Sound
/tɒp.ə.kəl/
Division By Letters
top-i-cal
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Topical
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 | t | ɒ | p | CVC | closed |
| 2 | – | ə | – | V | open |
| 3 | k | ə | l | CVC | closed |
Why Topical Divides Here
- Syllable 1 is stressed and has the short vowel /ɒ/, so it keeps a coda /p/.
- Between syllables 2 and 3, /k/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in topical?
Topical has 3 syllables, top-i-cal. In British English it is transcribed /ˈtɒp.ə.kəl/.
Which syllable is stressed in topical?
The first syllable, top, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of topical?
Topical has the structure CVC/V/CVC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide topical into syllables?
By sound, tɒp.ə.kəl. By letters, as a spelling guide, top-i-cal.