How Many Syllables In Obstacle?
3syllables
Obstacle has 3 syllables, ob-sta-cle. It is a trisyllabic word.
obstacle
/ˈɒb.stə.kəl/ UK /ˈɑːb.stə.kəl/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the first syllable, ob.
Syllable Structure
VC/CCV/CVC
Division By Sound
/ɒb.stə.kəl/
Division By Letters
ob-sta-cle
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Obstacle
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 | – | ɒ | b | VC | closed |
| 2 | st | ə | – | CCV | open |
| 3 | k | ə | l | CVC | closed |
Why Obstacle Divides Here
- Syllable 1 is stressed and has the short vowel /ɒ/, so it keeps a coda /b/.
- Between syllables 2 and 3, /k/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in obstacle?
Obstacle has 3 syllables, ob-sta-cle. In British English it is transcribed /ˈɒb.stə.kəl/.
Which syllable is stressed in obstacle?
The first syllable, ob, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of obstacle?
Obstacle has the structure VC/CCV/CVC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide obstacle into syllables?
By sound, ɒb.stə.kəl. By letters, as a spelling guide, ob-sta-cle.