How Many Syllables In Worthwhile?
2syllables
Worthwhile has 2 syllables, worth-while. It is a disyllabic word.
worthwhile
/ˌwɜːθˈwaɪl/ UK /ˌwɝːθˈwaɪl/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the second syllable, while.
Syllable Structure
CVC/CVC
Division By Sound
/wɜːθ.waɪl/
Division By Letters
worth-while
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Worthwhile
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 | w | ɜː | θ | CVC | closed |
| 2 primary stress | w | aɪ | l | CVC | closed |
Why Worthwhile Divides Here
- Between syllables 1 and 2, /w/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in worthwhile?
Worthwhile has 2 syllables, worth-while. In British English it is transcribed /ˌwɜːθˈwaɪl/.
Which syllable is stressed in worthwhile?
The second syllable, while, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of worthwhile?
Worthwhile has the structure CVC/CVC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide worthwhile into syllables?
By sound, wɜːθ.waɪl. By letters, as a spelling guide, worth-while.