How Many Syllables In Either?
2syllables
Either has 2 syllables, ei-ther. It is a disyllabic word.
either
/ˈaɪ.ðə/ UK /ˈiː.ðɚ/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the first syllable, ei.
Syllable Structure
V/CV
Division By Sound
/aɪ.ðə/
Division By Letters
ei-ther
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Either
S syllable, O onset, R rime, P peak, C coda, Ø no coda.
Parts Of Each Syllable
| Syllable | Onset | Peak | Coda | Pattern | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 primary stress | – | aɪ | – | V | open |
| 2 | ð | ə | – | CV | open |
Why Either Divides Here
- Between syllables 1 and 2, /ð/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
Pronunciations
| Form | UK | US | Syllables |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main | /ˈaɪ.ðə/ | /ˈiː.ðɚ/ | 2 |
| Also | /ˈiː.ðə/ | 2 |
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in either?
Either has 2 syllables, ei-ther. In British English it is transcribed /ˈaɪ.ðə/.
Which syllable is stressed in either?
The first syllable, ei, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of either?
Either has the structure V/CV, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide either into syllables?
By sound, aɪ.ðə. By letters, as a spelling guide, ei-ther.