How Many Syllables In Competence?
3syllables
Competence has 3 syllables, com-pe-tence. It is a trisyllabic word.
competence
/ˈkɒm.pə.tɪns/ UK /ˈkɑːm.pə.t̬ɪns/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the first syllable, com.
Syllable Structure
CVC/CV/CVCC
Division By Sound
/kɒm.pə.tɪns/
Division By Letters
com-pe-tence
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Competence
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 | k | ɒ | m | CVC | closed |
| 2 | p | ə | – | CV | open |
| 3 | t | ɪ | ns | CVCC | closed |
Why Competence Divides Here
- Syllable 1 is stressed and has the short vowel /ɒ/, so it keeps a coda /m/.
- Between syllables 2 and 3, /t/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in competence?
Competence has 3 syllables, com-pe-tence. In British English it is transcribed /ˈkɒm.pə.tɪns/.
Which syllable is stressed in competence?
The first syllable, com, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of competence?
Competence has the structure CVC/CV/CVCC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide competence into syllables?
By sound, kɒm.pə.tɪns. By letters, as a spelling guide, com-pe-tence.