How Many Syllables In Maternal?
3syllables
Maternal has 3 syllables, ma-ter-nal. It is a trisyllabic word.
maternal
/məˈtɜː.nəl/ UK /məˈtɝː.nəl/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the second syllable, ter.
Syllable Structure
CV/CV/CVC
Division By Sound
/mə.tɜː.nəl/
Division By Letters
ma-ter-nal
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Maternal
S syllable, O onset, R rime, P peak, C coda, Ø no coda.
Parts Of Each Syllable
| Syllable | Onset | Peak | Coda | Pattern | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | m | ə | – | CV | open |
| 2 primary stress | t | ɜː | – | CV | open |
| 3 | n | ə | l | CVC | closed |
Why Maternal Divides Here
- Between syllables 1 and 2, /t/ 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 maternal?
Maternal has 3 syllables, ma-ter-nal. In British English it is transcribed /məˈtɜː.nəl/.
Which syllable is stressed in maternal?
The second syllable, ter, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of maternal?
Maternal has the structure CV/CV/CVC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide maternal into syllables?
By sound, mə.tɜː.nəl. By letters, as a spelling guide, ma-ter-nal.