How Many Syllables In Impossible?
4syllables
Impossible has 4 syllables, im-poss-i-ble. It is a polysyllabic word.
impossible
/ɪmˈpɒs.ə.bəl/ UK /ɪmˈpɑː.sə.bəl/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the second syllable, poss.
Syllable Structure
VC/CVC/V/CVC
Division By Sound
/ɪm.pɒs.ə.bəl/
Division By Letters
im-poss-i-ble
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Impossible
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 | m | VC | closed |
| 2 primary stress | p | ɒ | s | CVC | closed |
| 3 | – | ə | – | V | open |
| 4 | b | ə | l | CVC | closed |
Why Impossible Divides Here
- Between syllables 1 and 2, /p/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Syllable 2 is stressed and has the short vowel /ɒ/, so it keeps a coda /s/.
- Between syllables 3 and 4, /b/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
Pronunciations
| Form | UK | US | Syllables |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main | /ɪmˈpɒs.ə.bəl/ | /ɪmˈpɑː.sə.bəl/ | 4 |
| Also | /ɪmˈpɒs.ɪ.bəl/ | 4 |
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in impossible?
Impossible has 4 syllables, im-poss-i-ble. In British English it is transcribed /ɪmˈpɒs.ə.bəl/.
Which syllable is stressed in impossible?
The second syllable, poss, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of impossible?
Impossible has the structure VC/CVC/V/CVC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide impossible into syllables?
By sound, ɪm.pɒs.ə.bəl. By letters, as a spelling guide, im-poss-i-ble.