How Many Syllables In External?
3syllables
External has 3 syllables, ex-ter-nal. It is a trisyllabic word.
external
/ɪkˈstɜː.nəl/ UK /ɪkˈstɝː.nəl/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the second syllable, ter.
Syllable Structure
VC/CCV/CVC
Division By Sound
/ɪk.stɜː.nəl/
Division By Letters
ex-ter-nal
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of External
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 | st | ɜː | – | CCV | open |
| 3 | n | ə | l | CVC | closed |
Why External Divides Here
- Between syllables 1 and 2, /st/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Between syllables 2 and 3, /n/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in external?
External has 3 syllables, ex-ter-nal. In British English it is transcribed /ɪkˈstɜː.nəl/.
Which syllable is stressed in external?
The second syllable, ter, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of external?
External has the structure VC/CCV/CVC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide external into syllables?
By sound, ɪk.stɜː.nəl. By letters, as a spelling guide, ex-ter-nal.