How Many Syllables In Controversy?
4syllables
Controversy has 4 syllables, con-trov-er-sy. It is a polysyllabic word.
controversy
/kənˈtrɒv.ə.si/ UK /ˈkɑːn.trə.vɝː.si/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the second syllable, trov.
Syllable Structure
CVC/CCVC/V/CV
Division By Sound
/kən.trɒv.ə.si/
Division By Letters
con-trov-er-sy
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Controversy
S syllable, O onset, R rime, P peak, C coda, Ø no coda.
Parts Of Each Syllable
| Syllable | Onset | Peak | Coda | Pattern | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | k | ə | n | CVC | closed |
| 2 primary stress | tr | ɒ | v | CCVC | closed |
| 3 | – | ə | – | V | open |
| 4 | s | i | – | CV | open |
Why Controversy Divides Here
- Between syllables 1 and 2, /tr/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Syllable 2 is stressed and has the short vowel /ɒ/, so it keeps a coda /v/.
- Between syllables 3 and 4, /s/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
Pronunciations
| Form | UK | US | Syllables |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main | /kənˈtrɒv.ə.si/ | /ˈkɑːn.trə.vɝː.si/ | 4 |
| Also | /ˈkɒn.trə.vɜː.si/ | 4 |
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in controversy?
Controversy has 4 syllables, con-trov-er-sy. In British English it is transcribed /kənˈtrɒv.ə.si/.
Which syllable is stressed in controversy?
The second syllable, trov, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of controversy?
Controversy has the structure CVC/CCVC/V/CV, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide controversy into syllables?
By sound, kən.trɒv.ə.si. By letters, as a spelling guide, con-trov-er-sy.