syllable

Everyday

1. A syllable is a part of a word that has one vowel sound; you can count syllables by clapping a word: «di-no-saur» has three syllables. tree →
2. A word with one syllable, like «cat», is called a one-syllable word or monosyllable. tree →
3. Not a syllable means not a single word at all. tree →

In the lessons

In English and phonics lessons pupils clap and count syllables to help with reading and spelling long words. In poetry lessons syllables matter for rhythm: a haiku has three lines of five, seven and five syllables. Phrases: «stressed syllable» (the one said strongest: «TA-ble»), «not one syllable» (not a single word: «he didn't say a syllable»).

Examples

• «Elephant» has three syllables: el-e-phant. tree →
• Clap the syllables in your name. tree →
• «Dog» has one syllable. tree →
• A haiku has five syllables in the first line. tree →
• In «banana», the middle syllable is stressed. tree →
• Break long words into syllables to spell them. tree →
• «Hippopotamus» has five syllables. tree →
• He did not answer a syllable, but went on eating, and afterwards returned to his work. tree →

Note

Plural «syllables». Spelling: double «l», ending «-able». Count vowel sounds, not vowel letters: «cake» has one syllable even with two vowel letters. Do not confuse with «syllabus» (a list of topics for a course).