How Many Syllables In Momentum?
3syllables
Momentum has 3 syllables, mo-men-tum. It is a trisyllabic word.
momentum
/məˈmen.təm/ UK /moʊˈmen.t̬əm/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the second syllable, men.
Syllable Structure
CV/CVC/CVC
Division By Sound
/mə.men.təm/
Division By Letters
mo-men-tum
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Momentum
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 | m | e | n | CVC | closed |
| 3 | t | ə | m | CVC | closed |
Why Momentum Divides Here
- Between syllables 1 and 2, /m/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Syllable 2 is stressed and has the short vowel /e/, so it keeps a coda /n/.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in momentum?
Momentum has 3 syllables, mo-men-tum. In British English it is transcribed /məˈmen.təm/.
Which syllable is stressed in momentum?
The second syllable, men, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of momentum?
Momentum has the structure CV/CVC/CVC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide momentum into syllables?
By sound, mə.men.təm. By letters, as a spelling guide, mo-men-tum.