How Many Syllables In Ambition?
3syllables
Ambition has 3 syllables, am-bit-ion. It is a trisyllabic word.
ambition
/æmˈbɪʃ.ən/ UK /æmˈbɪʃ.ən/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the second syllable, bit.
Syllable Structure
VC/CVC/VC
Division By Sound
/æm.bɪʃ.ən/
Division By Letters
am-bit-ion
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Ambition
S syllable, O onset, R rime, P peak, C coda, Ø no coda.
Parts Of Each Syllable
| Syllable | Onset | Peak | Coda | Pattern | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | – | æ | m | VC | closed |
| 2 primary stress | b | ɪ | ʃ | CVC | closed |
| 3 | – | ə | n | VC | closed |
Why Ambition Divides Here
- Between syllables 1 and 2, /b/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Syllable 2 is stressed and has the short vowel /ɪ/, so it keeps a coda /ʃ/.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in ambition?
Ambition has 3 syllables, am-bit-ion. In British English it is transcribed /æmˈbɪʃ.ən/.
Which syllable is stressed in ambition?
The second syllable, bit, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of ambition?
Ambition has the structure VC/CVC/VC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide ambition into syllables?
By sound, æm.bɪʃ.ən. By letters, as a spelling guide, am-bit-ion.