How Many Syllables In Unlikely?
3syllables
Unlikely has 3 syllables, un-like-ly. It is a trisyllabic word.
unlikely
/ʌnˈlaɪk.li/ UK /ʌnˈlaɪk.li/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the second syllable, like.
Syllable Structure
VC/CVC/CV
Division By Sound
/ʌn.laɪk.li/
Division By Letters
un-like-ly
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Unlikely
S syllable, O onset, R rime, P peak, C coda, Ø no coda.
Parts Of Each Syllable
| Syllable | Onset | Peak | Coda | Pattern | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | – | ʌ | n | VC | closed |
| 2 primary stress | l | aɪ | k | CVC | closed |
| 3 | l | i | – | CV | open |
Why Unlikely Divides Here
- Between syllables 1 and 2, /l/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Between syllables 2 and 3, /l/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in unlikely?
Unlikely has 3 syllables, un-like-ly. In British English it is transcribed /ʌnˈlaɪk.li/.
Which syllable is stressed in unlikely?
The second syllable, like, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of unlikely?
Unlikely has the structure VC/CVC/CV, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide unlikely into syllables?
By sound, ʌn.laɪk.li. By letters, as a spelling guide, un-like-ly.