How Many Syllables In Exactly?
3syllables
Exactly has 3 syllables, ex-act-ly. It is a trisyllabic word.
exactly
/ɪɡˈzækt.li/ UK /ɪɡˈzækt.li/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the second syllable, act.
Syllable Structure
VC/CVCC/CV
Division By Sound
/ɪɡ.zækt.li/
Division By Letters
ex-act-ly
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Exactly
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 | ɡ | VC | closed |
| 2 primary stress | z | æ | kt | CVCC | closed |
| 3 | l | i | – | CV | open |
Why Exactly Divides Here
- Between syllables 1 and 2, /z/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Syllable 2 is stressed and has the short vowel /æ/, so it keeps a coda /kt/.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in exactly?
Exactly has 3 syllables, ex-act-ly. In British English it is transcribed /ɪɡˈzækt.li/.
Which syllable is stressed in exactly?
The second syllable, act, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of exactly?
Exactly has the structure VC/CVCC/CV, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide exactly into syllables?
By sound, ɪɡ.zækt.li. By letters, as a spelling guide, ex-act-ly.