How Many Syllables In Obligation?
4syllables
Obligation has 4 syllables, ob-li-ga-tion. It is a polysyllabic word.
obligation
/ˌɒb.lɪˈɡeɪ.ʃən/ UK /ˌɑː.blɪˈɡeɪ.ʃən/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the third syllable, ga.
Syllable Structure
VC/CV/CV/CVC
Division By Sound
/ɒb.lɪ.ɡeɪ.ʃən/
Division By Letters
ob-li-ga-tion
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Obligation
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 | – | ɒ | b | VC | closed |
| 2 | l | ɪ | – | CV | open |
| 3 primary stress | ɡ | eɪ | – | CV | open |
| 4 | ʃ | ə | n | CVC | closed |
Why Obligation Divides Here
- Syllable 1 is stressed and has the short vowel /ɒ/, so it keeps a coda /b/.
- Between syllables 2 and 3, /ɡ/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Between syllables 3 and 4, /ʃ/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in obligation?
Obligation has 4 syllables, ob-li-ga-tion. In British English it is transcribed /ˌɒb.lɪˈɡeɪ.ʃən/.
Which syllable is stressed in obligation?
The third syllable, ga, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of obligation?
Obligation has the structure VC/CV/CV/CVC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide obligation into syllables?
By sound, ɒb.lɪ.ɡeɪ.ʃən. By letters, as a spelling guide, ob-li-ga-tion.