How Many Syllables In Expensive?
3syllables
Expensive has 3 syllables, ex-pen-sive. It is a trisyllabic word.
expensive
/ɪkˈspen.sɪv/ UK /ɪkˈspen.sɪv/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the second syllable, pen.
Syllable Structure
VC/CCVC/CVC
Division By Sound
/ɪk.spen.sɪv/
Division By Letters
ex-pen-sive
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Expensive
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 | k | VC | closed |
| 2 primary stress | sp | e | n | CCVC | closed |
| 3 | s | ɪ | v | CVC | closed |
Why Expensive Divides Here
- Between syllables 1 and 2, /sp/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Syllable 2 is stressed and has the short vowel /e/, so it keeps a coda /n/.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in expensive?
Expensive has 3 syllables, ex-pen-sive. In British English it is transcribed /ɪkˈspen.sɪv/.
Which syllable is stressed in expensive?
The second syllable, pen, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of expensive?
Expensive has the structure VC/CCVC/CVC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide expensive into syllables?
By sound, ɪk.spen.sɪv. By letters, as a spelling guide, ex-pen-sive.