How Many Syllables In Imitation?
4syllables
Imitation has 4 syllables, im-i-ta-tion. It is a polysyllabic word.
imitation
/ˌɪm.əˈteɪ.ʃən/ UK /ˌɪm.əˈteɪ.ʃən/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the third syllable, ta.
Syllable Structure
VC/V/CV/CVC
Division By Sound
/ɪm.ə.teɪ.ʃən/
Division By Letters
im-i-ta-tion
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Imitation
S syllable, O onset, R rime, P peak, C coda, Ø no coda.
Parts Of Each Syllable
| Syllable | Onset | Peak | Coda | Pattern | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 secondary stress | – | ɪ | m | VC | closed |
| 2 | – | ə | – | V | open |
| 3 primary stress | t | eɪ | – | CV | open |
| 4 | ʃ | ə | n | CVC | closed |
Why Imitation Divides Here
- Syllable 1 is stressed and has the short vowel /ɪ/, so it keeps a coda /m/.
- Between syllables 2 and 3, /t/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Between syllables 3 and 4, /ʃ/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in imitation?
Imitation has 4 syllables, im-i-ta-tion. In British English it is transcribed /ˌɪm.əˈteɪ.ʃən/.
Which syllable is stressed in imitation?
The third syllable, ta, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of imitation?
Imitation has the structure VC/V/CV/CVC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide imitation into syllables?
By sound, ɪm.ə.teɪ.ʃən. By letters, as a spelling guide, im-i-ta-tion.