How Many Syllables In Alternate?
3syllables
Alternate has 3 syllables, al-ter-nate. It is a trisyllabic word.
alternate
/ɔːlˈtɜː.nət/ UK /ˈɔːl.tɚ.nət/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the second syllable, ter.
Syllable Structure
VC/CV/CVC
Division By Sound
/ɔːl.tɜː.nət/
Division By Letters
al-ter-nate
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Alternate
S syllable, O onset, R rime, P peak, C coda, Ø no coda.
Parts Of Each Syllable
| Syllable | Onset | Peak | Coda | Pattern | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | – | ɔː | l | VC | closed |
| 2 primary stress | t | ɜː | – | CV | open |
| 3 | n | ə | t | CVC | closed |
Why Alternate Divides Here
- Between syllables 1 and 2, /t/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Between syllables 2 and 3, /n/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
Pronunciations
| Form | UK | US | Syllables |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adjective | /ɔːlˈtɜː.nət/ | /ˈɔːl.tɚ.nət/ | 3 |
| Adjective | /ɔːlˈtɜː.nɪt/ | 3 | |
| Verb | /ˈɔːl.tə.neɪt/ | /ˈɔːl.tɚ.neɪt/ | 3 |
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in alternate?
Alternate has 3 syllables, al-ter-nate. In British English it is transcribed /ɔːlˈtɜː.nət/.
Which syllable is stressed in alternate?
The second syllable, ter, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of alternate?
Alternate has the structure VC/CV/CVC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide alternate into syllables?
By sound, ɔːl.tɜː.nət. By letters, as a spelling guide, al-ter-nate.