How Many Syllables In Preposterous?
4syllables
Preposterous has 4 syllables, pre-pos-ter-ous. It is a polysyllabic word.
preposterous
/prɪˈpɒs.tər.əs/ UK /prɪˈpɑː.stɚ.əs/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the second syllable, pos.
Syllable Structure
CCV/CVC/CVC/VC
Division By Sound
/prɪ.pɒs.tər.əs/
Division By Letters
pre-pos-ter-ous
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Preposterous
S syllable, O onset, R rime, P peak, C coda, Ø no coda.
Parts Of Each Syllable
| Syllable | Onset | Peak | Coda | Pattern | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | pr | ɪ | – | CCV | open |
| 2 primary stress | p | ɒ | s | CVC | closed |
| 3 | t | ə | r | CVC | closed |
| 4 | – | ə | s | VC | closed |
Why Preposterous Divides Here
- Between syllables 1 and 2, /p/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Syllable 2 is stressed and has the short vowel /ɒ/, so it keeps a coda /s/.
- Syllable 3 ends in /r/ because the next syllable cannot take it as an onset here.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in preposterous?
Preposterous has 4 syllables, pre-pos-ter-ous. In British English it is transcribed /prɪˈpɒs.tər.əs/.
Which syllable is stressed in preposterous?
The second syllable, pos, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of preposterous?
Preposterous has the structure CCV/CVC/CVC/VC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide preposterous into syllables?
By sound, prɪ.pɒs.tər.əs. By letters, as a spelling guide, pre-pos-ter-ous.