How Many Syllables In Gradual?
3syllables
Gradual has 3 syllables, grad-u-al. It is a trisyllabic word.
gradual
/ˈɡrædʒ.u.əl/ UK /ˈɡrædʒ.u.əl/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the first syllable, grad.
Syllable Structure
CCVC/V/VC
Division By Sound
/ɡrædʒ.u.əl/
Division By Letters
grad-u-al
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Gradual
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 | ɡr | æ | dʒ | CCVC | closed |
| 2 | – | u | – | V | open |
| 3 | – | ə | l | VC | closed |
Why Gradual Divides Here
- Syllable 1 is stressed and has the short vowel /æ/, so it keeps a coda /dʒ/.
- Two vowels meet between syllables 2 and 3, so syllable 3 has no onset.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in gradual?
Gradual has 3 syllables, grad-u-al. In British English it is transcribed /ˈɡrædʒ.u.əl/.
Which syllable is stressed in gradual?
The first syllable, grad, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of gradual?
Gradual has the structure CCVC/V/VC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide gradual into syllables?
By sound, ɡrædʒ.u.əl. By letters, as a spelling guide, grad-u-al.