How Many Syllables In Underline?
3syllables
Underline has 3 syllables, un-der-line. It is a trisyllabic word.
underline
/ˈʌn.də.laɪn/ UK /ˈʌn.dɚ.laɪn/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the first syllable, un.
Syllable Structure
VC/CV/CVC
Division By Sound
/ʌn.də.laɪn/
Division By Letters
un-der-line
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Underline
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 | n | VC | closed |
| 2 | d | ə | – | CV | open |
| 3 | l | aɪ | n | CVC | closed |
Why Underline 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.
Pronunciations
| Form | UK | US | Syllables |
|---|---|---|---|
| Noun | /ˈʌn.də.laɪn/ | /ˈʌn.dɚ.laɪn/ | 3 |
| Verb | /ˌʌn.dəˈlaɪn/ | /ˌʌn.dɚˈlaɪn/ | 3 |
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in underline?
Underline has 3 syllables, un-der-line. In British English it is transcribed /ˈʌn.də.laɪn/.
Which syllable is stressed in underline?
The first syllable, un, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of underline?
Underline has the structure VC/CV/CVC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide underline into syllables?
By sound, ʌn.də.laɪn. By letters, as a spelling guide, un-der-line.