How Many Syllables In Efficient?
3syllables
Efficient has 3 syllables, e-ffic-ient. It is a trisyllabic word.
efficient
/ɪˈfɪʃ.ənt/ UK /ɪˈfɪʃ.ənt/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the second syllable, ffic.
Syllable Structure
V/CVC/VCC
Division By Sound
/ɪ.fɪʃ.ənt/
Division By Letters
e-ffic-ient
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Efficient
S syllable, O onset, R rime, P peak, C coda, Ø no coda.
Parts Of Each Syllable
| Syllable | Onset | Peak | Coda | Pattern | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | – | ɪ | – | V | open |
| 2 primary stress | f | ɪ | ʃ | CVC | closed |
| 3 | – | ə | nt | VCC | closed |
Why Efficient Divides Here
- Between syllables 1 and 2, /f/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Syllable 2 is stressed and has the short vowel /ɪ/, so it keeps a coda /ʃ/.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in efficient?
Efficient has 3 syllables, e-ffic-ient. In British English it is transcribed /ɪˈfɪʃ.ənt/.
Which syllable is stressed in efficient?
The second syllable, ffic, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of efficient?
Efficient has the structure V/CVC/VCC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide efficient into syllables?
By sound, ɪ.fɪʃ.ənt. By letters, as a spelling guide, e-ffic-ient.