How Many Syllables In Unbelievable?
5syllables
Unbelievable has 5 syllables, un-be-lie-va-ble. It is a polysyllabic word.
unbelievable
/ˌʌn.bəˈliː.və.bəl/ UK /ˌʌn.bəˈliː.və.bəl/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the third syllable, lie.
Syllable Structure
VC/CV/CV/CV/CVC
Division By Sound
/ʌn.bə.liː.və.bəl/
Division By Letters
un-be-lie-va-ble
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Unbelievable
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 | – | ʌ | n | VC | closed |
| 2 | b | ə | – | CV | open |
| 3 primary stress | l | iː | – | CV | open |
| 4 | v | ə | – | CV | open |
| 5 | b | ə | l | CVC | closed |
Why Unbelievable Divides Here
- Syllable 1 is stressed and has the short vowel /ʌ/, so it keeps a coda /n/.
- Between syllables 2 and 3, /l/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Between syllables 3 and 4, /v/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Between syllables 4 and 5, /b/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in unbelievable?
Unbelievable has 5 syllables, un-be-lie-va-ble. In British English it is transcribed /ˌʌn.bəˈliː.və.bəl/.
Which syllable is stressed in unbelievable?
The third syllable, lie, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of unbelievable?
Unbelievable has the structure VC/CV/CV/CV/CVC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide unbelievable into syllables?
By sound, ʌn.bə.liː.və.bəl. By letters, as a spelling guide, un-be-lie-va-ble.
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