How Many Syllables In Unusual?
4syllables
Unusual has 4 syllables, un-u-su-al. It is a polysyllabic word.
unusual
/ʌnˈjuː.ʒu.əl/ UK /ʌnˈjuː.ʒu.əl/ US
Unusual can also be said with 3 syllables (UK /ʌnˈjuː.ʒəl/).
Stress
The main stress falls on the second syllable, u.
Syllable Structure
VC/CV/CV/VC
Division By Sound
/ʌn.juː.ʒu.əl/
Division By Letters
un-u-su-al
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Unusual
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 | j | uː | – | CV | open |
| 3 | ʒ | u | – | CV | open |
| 4 | – | ə | l | VC | closed |
Why Unusual Divides Here
- Between syllables 1 and 2, /j/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Between syllables 2 and 3, /ʒ/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Two vowels meet between syllables 3 and 4, so syllable 4 has no onset.
Pronunciations
| Form | UK | US | Syllables |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main | /ʌnˈjuː.ʒu.əl/ | /ʌnˈjuː.ʒu.əl/ | 4 |
| Also | /ʌnˈjuː.ʒəl/ | 3 |
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in unusual?
Unusual has 4 syllables, un-u-su-al. In British English it is transcribed /ʌnˈjuː.ʒu.əl/.
Which syllable is stressed in unusual?
The second syllable, u, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of unusual?
Unusual has the structure VC/CV/CV/VC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide unusual into syllables?
By sound, ʌn.juː.ʒu.əl. By letters, as a spelling guide, un-u-su-al.