How Many Syllables In Actually?
4syllables
Actually has 4 syllables, ac-tu-a-lly. It is a polysyllabic word.
actually
/ˈæk.tʃu.ə.li/ UK /ˈæk.tʃu.ə.li/ US
Actually can also be said with 3 syllables (UK /ˈæk.tʃə.li/).
Stress
The main stress falls on the first syllable, ac.
Syllable Structure
VC/CV/V/CV
Division By Sound
/æk.tʃu.ə.li/
Division By Letters
ac-tu-a-lly
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Actually
S syllable, O onset, R rime, P peak, C coda, Ø no coda.
Parts Of Each Syllable
| Syllable | Onset | Peak | Coda | Pattern | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 primary stress | – | æ | k | VC | closed |
| 2 | tʃ | u | – | CV | open |
| 3 | – | ə | – | V | open |
| 4 | l | i | – | CV | open |
Why Actually Divides Here
- Syllable 1 is stressed and has the short vowel /æ/, so it keeps a coda /k/.
- Two vowels meet between syllables 2 and 3, so syllable 3 has no onset.
- Between syllables 3 and 4, /l/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
Pronunciations
| Form | UK | US | Syllables |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main | /ˈæk.tʃu.ə.li/ | /ˈæk.tʃu.ə.li/ | 4 |
| Also | /ˈæk.tʃə.li/ | 3 |
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in actually?
Actually has 4 syllables, ac-tu-a-lly. In British English it is transcribed /ˈæk.tʃu.ə.li/.
Which syllable is stressed in actually?
The first syllable, ac, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of actually?
Actually has the structure VC/CV/V/CV, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide actually into syllables?
By sound, æk.tʃu.ə.li. By letters, as a spelling guide, ac-tu-a-lly.