How Many Syllables In Directly?
3syllables
Directly has 3 syllables, di-rect-ly. It is a trisyllabic word.
directly
/daɪˈrekt.li/ UK /dɪˈrekt.li/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the second syllable, rect.
Syllable Structure
CV/CVCC/CV
Division By Sound
/daɪ.rekt.li/
Division By Letters
di-rect-ly
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Directly
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 | kt | CVCC | closed |
| 3 | l | i | – | CV | open |
Why Directly 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 /kt/.
Pronunciations
| Form | UK | US | Syllables |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main | /daɪˈrekt.li/ | /dɪˈrekt.li/ | 3 |
| Also | /dɪˈrekt.li/ | 3 |
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in directly?
Directly has 3 syllables, di-rect-ly. In British English it is transcribed /daɪˈrekt.li/.
Which syllable is stressed in directly?
The second syllable, rect, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of directly?
Directly has the structure CV/CVCC/CV, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide directly into syllables?
By sound, daɪ.rekt.li. By letters, as a spelling guide, di-rect-ly.