How Many Syllables In Competent?
3syllables
Competent has 3 syllables, com-pe-tent. It is a trisyllabic word.
competent
/ˈkɒm.pɪ.tənt/ UK /ˈkɑːm.pə.t̬ənt/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the first syllable, com.
Syllable Structure
CVC/CV/CVCC
Division By Sound
/kɒm.pɪ.tənt/
Division By Letters
com-pe-tent
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Competent
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 | ɪ | – | CV | open |
| 3 | t | ə | nt | CVCC | closed |
Why Competent 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 competent?
Competent has 3 syllables, com-pe-tent. In British English it is transcribed /ˈkɒm.pɪ.tənt/.
Which syllable is stressed in competent?
The first syllable, com, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of competent?
Competent has the structure CVC/CV/CVCC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide competent into syllables?
By sound, kɒm.pɪ.tənt. By letters, as a spelling guide, com-pe-tent.