How Many Syllables In Protective?
3syllables
Protective has 3 syllables, pro-tec-tive. It is a trisyllabic word.
protective
/prəˈtek.tɪv/ UK /prəˈtek.tɪv/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the second syllable, tec.
Syllable Structure
CCV/CVC/CVC
Division By Sound
/prə.tek.tɪv/
Division By Letters
pro-tec-tive
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Protective
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 | ə | – | CCV | open |
| 2 primary stress | t | e | k | CVC | closed |
| 3 | t | ɪ | v | CVC | closed |
Why Protective Divides Here
- Between syllables 1 and 2, /t/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Syllable 2 is stressed and has the short vowel /e/, so it keeps a coda /k/.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in protective?
Protective has 3 syllables, pro-tec-tive. In British English it is transcribed /prəˈtek.tɪv/.
Which syllable is stressed in protective?
The second syllable, tec, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of protective?
Protective has the structure CCV/CVC/CVC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide protective into syllables?
By sound, prə.tek.tɪv. By letters, as a spelling guide, pro-tec-tive.