How Many Syllables In Comprehension?
4syllables
Comprehension has 4 syllables, com-pre-hen-sion. It is a polysyllabic word.
comprehension
/ˌkɒm.priˈhen.ʃən/ UK /ˌkɑːm.priˈhen.ʃən/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the third syllable, hen.
Syllable Structure
CVC/CCV/CVC/CVC
Division By Sound
/kɒm.pri.hen.ʃən/
Division By Letters
com-pre-hen-sion
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Comprehension
S syllable, O onset, R rime, P peak, C coda, Ø no coda.
Parts Of Each Syllable
| Syllable | Onset | Peak | Coda | Pattern | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 secondary stress | k | ɒ | m | CVC | closed |
| 2 | pr | i | – | CCV | open |
| 3 primary stress | h | e | n | CVC | closed |
| 4 | ʃ | ə | n | CVC | closed |
Why Comprehension Divides Here
- Syllable 1 is stressed and has the short vowel /ɒ/, so it keeps a coda /m/.
- Between syllables 2 and 3, /h/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Syllable 3 is stressed and has the short vowel /e/, so it keeps a coda /n/.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in comprehension?
Comprehension has 4 syllables, com-pre-hen-sion. In British English it is transcribed /ˌkɒm.priˈhen.ʃən/.
Which syllable is stressed in comprehension?
The third syllable, hen, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of comprehension?
Comprehension has the structure CVC/CCV/CVC/CVC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide comprehension into syllables?
By sound, kɒm.pri.hen.ʃən. By letters, as a spelling guide, com-pre-hen-sion.