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