How Many Syllables In Expression?
3syllables
Expression has 3 syllables, ex-press-ion. It is a trisyllabic word.
expression
/ɪkˈspreʃ.ən/ UK /ɪkˈspreʃ.ən/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the second syllable, press.
Syllable Structure
VC/CCCVC/VC
Division By Sound
/ɪk.spreʃ.ən/
Division By Letters
ex-press-ion
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Expression
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 | spr | e | ʃ | CCCVC | closed |
| 3 | – | ə | n | VC | closed |
Why Expression Divides Here
- Between syllables 1 and 2, /spr/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Syllable 2 is stressed and has the short vowel /e/, so it keeps a coda /ʃ/.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in expression?
Expression has 3 syllables, ex-press-ion. In British English it is transcribed /ɪkˈspreʃ.ən/.
Which syllable is stressed in expression?
The second syllable, press, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of expression?
Expression has the structure VC/CCCVC/VC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide expression into syllables?
By sound, ɪk.spreʃ.ən. By letters, as a spelling guide, ex-press-ion.