Dr. Johanna Rubba
English Department (Linguistics)
Cal Poly State University San Luis Obispo
Last updated 10/1/99
Copyright © 1999 Johanna Rubba

Exercise: Analyzing the syllable structure of English words

Using the models on the 'Syllable structure in English' page for the words 'read', 'flop', and 'window', analyze the following words into their syllable structure.
(1) Write the word with periods between the syllables; use IPA symbols - Ex. 'baby' = [ be.bi ]
(2) List and identify the parts of each syllable
Ex. :  'boondocks'  =  [ bun.daks ]

First syllable:  [ bun ]
Onset  [ b ]
Rhyme [ un ]
   Nucleus [ u ]
   Coda    [ n ]

Second syllable:  [ daks ]
Onset  [ d ]
Rhyme [ aks ]
   Nucleus [ a ]
   Coda    [ ks ]

Remember that the diphthongs 'ay', 'aw', 'oy' count as single vowel segments.

Here are your words:

(1)  playdough
(2)  thanks
(3)  nondescript  (take your time!)
(4)  toys
(5)  straw
(6)  plastic

KEY