How Many Syllables In Unexpected?
4syllables
Unexpected has 4 syllables, un-ex-pec-ted. It is a polysyllabic word.
unexpected
/ˌʌn.ɪkˈspek.tɪd/ UK /ˌʌn.ɪkˈspek.tɪd/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the third syllable, pec.
Syllable Structure
VC/VC/CCVC/CVC
Division By Sound
/ʌn.ɪk.spek.tɪd/
Division By Letters
un-ex-pec-ted
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Unexpected
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 | – | ɪ | k | VC | closed |
| 3 primary stress | sp | e | k | CCVC | closed |
| 4 | t | ɪ | d | CVC | closed |
Why Unexpected Divides Here
- Syllable 1 is stressed and has the short vowel /ʌ/, so it keeps a coda /n/.
- Between syllables 2 and 3, /sp/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Syllable 3 is stressed and has the short vowel /e/, so it keeps a coda /k/.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in unexpected?
Unexpected has 4 syllables, un-ex-pec-ted. In British English it is transcribed /ˌʌn.ɪkˈspek.tɪd/.
Which syllable is stressed in unexpected?
The third syllable, pec, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of unexpected?
Unexpected has the structure VC/VC/CCVC/CVC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide unexpected into syllables?
By sound, ʌn.ɪk.spek.tɪd. By letters, as a spelling guide, un-ex-pec-ted.
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