How Many Syllables In Direction?
3syllables
Direction has 3 syllables, di-rec-tion. It is a trisyllabic word.
direction
/daɪˈrek.ʃən/ UK /dɪˈrek.ʃən/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the second syllable, rec.
Syllable Structure
CV/CVC/CVC
Division By Sound
/daɪ.rek.ʃən/
Division By Letters
di-rec-tion
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Direction
S syllable, O onset, R rime, P peak, C coda, Ø no coda.
Parts Of Each Syllable
| Syllable | Onset | Peak | Coda | Pattern | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | d | aɪ | – | CV | open |
| 2 primary stress | r | e | k | CVC | closed |
| 3 | ʃ | ə | n | CVC | closed |
Why Direction Divides Here
- Between syllables 1 and 2, /r/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Syllable 2 is stressed and has the short vowel /e/, so it keeps a coda /k/.
Pronunciations
| Form | UK | US | Syllables |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main | /daɪˈrek.ʃən/ | /dɪˈrek.ʃən/ | 3 |
| Also | /dɪˈrek.ʃən/ | 3 |
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in direction?
Direction has 3 syllables, di-rec-tion. In British English it is transcribed /daɪˈrek.ʃən/.
Which syllable is stressed in direction?
The second syllable, rec, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of direction?
Direction has the structure CV/CVC/CVC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide direction into syllables?
By sound, daɪ.rek.ʃən. By letters, as a spelling guide, di-rec-tion.