How Many Syllables In Variation?
4syllables
Variation has 4 syllables, va-ri-a-tion. It is a polysyllabic word.
variation
/ˌveə.riˈeɪ.ʃən/ UK /ˌver.iˈeɪ.ʃən/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the third syllable, a.
Syllable Structure
CV/CV/V/CVC
Division By Sound
/veə.ri.eɪ.ʃən/
Division By Letters
va-ri-a-tion
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Variation
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 | v | eə | – | CV | open |
| 2 | r | i | – | CV | open |
| 3 primary stress | – | eɪ | – | V | open |
| 4 | ʃ | ə | n | CVC | closed |
Why Variation Divides Here
- Between syllables 1 and 2, /r/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Two vowels meet between syllables 2 and 3, so syllable 3 has no onset.
- Between syllables 3 and 4, /ʃ/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in variation?
Variation has 4 syllables, va-ri-a-tion. In British English it is transcribed /ˌveə.riˈeɪ.ʃən/.
Which syllable is stressed in variation?
The third syllable, a, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of variation?
Variation has the structure CV/CV/V/CVC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide variation into syllables?
By sound, veə.ri.eɪ.ʃən. By letters, as a spelling guide, va-ri-a-tion.