How Many Syllables In Underscore?
3syllables
Underscore has 3 syllables, un-der-score. It is a trisyllabic word.
underscore
/ˌʌn.dəˈskɔː/ UK /ˌʌn.dɚˈskɔːr/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the third syllable, score.
Syllable Structure
VC/CV/CCV
Division By Sound
/ʌn.də.skɔː/
Division By Letters
un-der-score
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Underscore
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 | – | ʌ | n | VC | closed |
| 2 | d | ə | – | CV | open |
| 3 primary stress | sk | ɔː | – | CCV | open |
Why Underscore Divides Here
- Syllable 1 is stressed and has the short vowel /ʌ/, so it keeps a coda /n/.
- Between syllables 2 and 3, /sk/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in underscore?
Underscore has 3 syllables, un-der-score. In British English it is transcribed /ˌʌn.dəˈskɔː/.
Which syllable is stressed in underscore?
The third syllable, score, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of underscore?
Underscore has the structure VC/CV/CCV, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide underscore into syllables?
By sound, ʌn.də.skɔː. By letters, as a spelling guide, un-der-score.