How Many Syllables In Inefficient?
4syllables
Inefficient has 4 syllables, in-e-ffic-ient. It is a polysyllabic word.
inefficient
/ˌɪn.ɪˈfɪʃ.ənt/ UK /ˌɪn.ɪˈfɪʃ.ənt/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the third syllable, ffic.
Syllable Structure
VC/V/CVC/VCC
Division By Sound
/ɪn.ɪ.fɪʃ.ənt/
Division By Letters
in-e-ffic-ient
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Inefficient
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 | n | VC | closed |
| 2 | – | ɪ | – | V | open |
| 3 primary stress | f | ɪ | ʃ | CVC | closed |
| 4 | – | ə | nt | VCC | closed |
Why Inefficient Divides Here
- Syllable 1 is stressed and has the short vowel /ɪ/, so it keeps a coda /n/.
- Between syllables 2 and 3, /f/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Syllable 3 is stressed and has the short vowel /ɪ/, so it keeps a coda /ʃ/.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in inefficient?
Inefficient has 4 syllables, in-e-ffic-ient. In British English it is transcribed /ˌɪn.ɪˈfɪʃ.ənt/.
Which syllable is stressed in inefficient?
The third syllable, ffic, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of inefficient?
Inefficient has the structure VC/V/CVC/VCC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide inefficient into syllables?
By sound, ɪn.ɪ.fɪʃ.ənt. By letters, as a spelling guide, in-e-ffic-ient.
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