How Many Syllables In Otherwise?
3syllables
Otherwise has 3 syllables, oth-er-wise. It is a trisyllabic word.
otherwise
/ˈʌð.ə.waɪz/ UK /ˈʌð.ɚ.waɪz/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the first syllable, oth.
Syllable Structure
VC/V/CVC
Division By Sound
/ʌð.ə.waɪz/
Division By Letters
oth-er-wise
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Otherwise
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 | – | ʌ | ð | VC | closed |
| 2 | – | ə | – | V | open |
| 3 | w | aɪ | z | CVC | closed |
Why Otherwise Divides Here
- Syllable 1 is stressed and has the short vowel /ʌ/, so it keeps a coda /ð/.
- Between syllables 2 and 3, /w/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in otherwise?
Otherwise has 3 syllables, oth-er-wise. In British English it is transcribed /ˈʌð.ə.waɪz/.
Which syllable is stressed in otherwise?
The first syllable, oth, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of otherwise?
Otherwise has the structure VC/V/CVC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide otherwise into syllables?
By sound, ʌð.ə.waɪz. By letters, as a spelling guide, oth-er-wise.