How Many Syllables In Controversial?
4syllables
Controversial has 4 syllables, con-tro-ver-sial. It is a polysyllabic word.
controversial
/ˌkɒn.trəˈvɜː.ʃəl/ UK /ˌkɑːn.trəˈvɝː.ʃəl/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the third syllable, ver.
Syllable Structure
CVC/CCV/CV/CVC
Division By Sound
/kɒn.trə.vɜː.ʃəl/
Division By Letters
con-tro-ver-sial
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Controversial
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 | n | CVC | closed |
| 2 | tr | ə | – | CCV | open |
| 3 primary stress | v | ɜː | – | CV | open |
| 4 | ʃ | ə | l | CVC | closed |
Why Controversial Divides Here
- Syllable 1 is stressed and has the short vowel /ɒ/, so it keeps a coda /n/.
- Between syllables 2 and 3, /v/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Between syllables 3 and 4, /ʃ/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in controversial?
Controversial has 4 syllables, con-tro-ver-sial. In British English it is transcribed /ˌkɒn.trəˈvɜː.ʃəl/.
Which syllable is stressed in controversial?
The third syllable, ver, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of controversial?
Controversial has the structure CVC/CCV/CV/CVC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide controversial into syllables?
By sound, kɒn.trə.vɜː.ʃəl. By letters, as a spelling guide, con-tro-ver-sial.