How Many Syllables In Certain?
2syllables
Certain has 2 syllables, cer-tain. It is a disyllabic word.
certain
/ˈsɜː.tən/ UK /ˈsɝː.t̬ən/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the first syllable, cer.
Syllable Structure
CV/CVC
Division By Sound
/sɜː.tən/
Division By Letters
cer-tain
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Certain
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 | s | ɜː | – | CV | open |
| 2 | t | ə | n | CVC | closed |
Why Certain Divides Here
- Between syllables 1 and 2, /t/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
Pronunciations
| Form | UK | US | Syllables |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main | /ˈsɜː.tən/ | /ˈsɝː.t̬ən/ | 2 |
| Also | /ˈsɜː.tɪn/ | 2 |
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in certain?
Certain has 2 syllables, cer-tain. In British English it is transcribed /ˈsɜː.tən/.
Which syllable is stressed in certain?
The first syllable, cer, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of certain?
Certain has the structure CV/CVC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide certain into syllables?
By sound, sɜː.tən. By letters, as a spelling guide, cer-tain.