How Many Syllables In Uncertainty?
4syllables
Uncertainty has 4 syllables, un-cer-tain-ty. It is a polysyllabic word.
uncertainty
/ʌnˈsɜː.tən.ti/ UK /ʌnˈsɝː.t̬ən.t̬i/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the second syllable, cer.
Syllable Structure
VC/CV/CVC/CV
Division By Sound
/ʌn.sɜː.tən.ti/
Division By Letters
un-cer-tain-ty
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Uncertainty
S syllable, O onset, R rime, P peak, C coda, Ø no coda.
Parts Of Each Syllable
| Syllable | Onset | Peak | Coda | Pattern | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | – | ʌ | n | VC | closed |
| 2 primary stress | s | ɜː | – | CV | open |
| 3 | t | ə | n | CVC | closed |
| 4 | t | i | – | CV | open |
Why Uncertainty Divides Here
- Between syllables 1 and 2, /s/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Between syllables 2 and 3, /t/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Between syllables 3 and 4, /t/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in uncertainty?
Uncertainty has 4 syllables, un-cer-tain-ty. In British English it is transcribed /ʌnˈsɜː.tən.ti/.
Which syllable is stressed in uncertainty?
The second syllable, cer, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of uncertainty?
Uncertainty has the structure VC/CV/CVC/CV, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide uncertainty into syllables?
By sound, ʌn.sɜː.tən.ti. By letters, as a spelling guide, un-cer-tain-ty.
Other Words With Four Syllables
advisorybacteriumconfidentlydisagreementexpatriateimperialjurisdictionoligarchypreservationreservation