How Many Syllables In Moderate?
3syllables
Moderate has 3 syllables, mod-er-ate. It is a trisyllabic word.
moderate
/ˈmɒd.ər.ət/ UK /ˈmɑːd.ɚ.ət/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the first syllable, mod.
Syllable Structure
CVC/VC/VC
Division By Sound
/mɒd.ər.ət/
Division By Letters
mod-er-ate
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Moderate
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 | m | ɒ | d | CVC | closed |
| 2 | – | ə | r | VC | closed |
| 3 | – | ə | t | VC | closed |
Why Moderate Divides Here
- Syllable 1 is stressed and has the short vowel /ɒ/, so it keeps a coda /d/.
- Syllable 2 ends in /r/ because the next syllable cannot take it as an onset here.
Pronunciations
| Form | UK | US | Syllables |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adjective | /ˈmɒd.ər.ət/ | /ˈmɑːd.ɚ.ət/ | 3 |
| Adjective | /ˈmɒd.ər.ɪt/ | 3 | |
| Verb | /ˈmɒd.ə.reɪt/ | /ˈmɑːd.ə.reɪt/ | 3 |
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in moderate?
Moderate has 3 syllables, mod-er-ate. In British English it is transcribed /ˈmɒd.ər.ət/.
Which syllable is stressed in moderate?
The first syllable, mod, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of moderate?
Moderate has the structure CVC/VC/VC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide moderate into syllables?
By sound, mɒd.ər.ət. By letters, as a spelling guide, mod-er-ate.