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Syllables
The word 'machine' has how many syllables?

Syllables

Learn how to break words into syllables. Spot open and closed syllables to read and spell longer words confidently.

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Fascinating Fact:

Open syllables end with a vowel and usually sound long: ti ger, pa per. Closed syllables end with a consonant and sound short: tig ger, nap kin.

In 11 Plus English, a syllable is a beat in a word. Knowing open and closed syllables helps you decode new words, choose vowel sounds, and split words for accurate spelling.

  • Syllable: A single beat of sound in a word, such as ti and ger in tiger.
  • Open syllable: Ends with a vowel; the vowel is usually long, for example pi in pilot.
  • Closed syllable: Ends with a consonant; the vowel is usually short, for example pil in pilgrim.
How do I count the number of syllables in a word?

Say the word and clap each beat, or place a hand under your chin and count jaw drops. A dictionary also shows syllable breaks with dots.

What is the difference between open and closed syllables?

Open syllables end with a vowel and usually have a long sound (pi-lot). Closed syllables end with a consonant and usually have a short sound (pil-grim).

How can syllables help my spelling and reading?

Breaking a word into syllables helps you choose the vowel sound, read in parts, and add endings correctly when writing longer words.

1 .
Determine the number of syllables in the word below.
Studying
4
1
2
3
stu-dy-ing: 'y' has a vowel sound
2 .
Determine the number of syllables in the word below.
Madam
2
3
1
0
ma-dam
3 .
Determine the number of syllables in the word below.
Conversation
2
4
5
3
con-ver-sa-tion
4 .
Determine the number of syllables in the word below.
Determination
5
4
6
3
de-ter-mi-na-tion
5 .
Determine the number of syllables in the word below.
Religion
5
4
3
2
re-li-gion
6 .
Determine the number of syllables in the word below.
Revolutionary
5
4
6
3
rev-o-lu-tion-ar-y
7 .
Determine the number of syllables in the word below.
Machine
1
3
2
4
ma-chine
8 .
Determine the number of syllables in the word below.
Dustbin
3
2
1
0
dust-bin
9 .
Determine the number of syllables in the word below.
Accident
2
3
1
4
ac-ci-dent
10 .
Determine the number of syllables in the word below.
Vowel
3
0
1
2
vow-el
Author:  Frank Evans (Specialist 11 Plus Teacher and Tutor)

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