Syllable Division Rules

A syllable is a unit of pronunciation that has one vowel sound. It may or may not have consonants before or after the vowel

The Rules

1. Single Consonant Between Vowels (VCV)

   • Long Vowel Sound: If the vowel sound is long, the consonant usually goes with the second syllable.

     • Example: ro-bot (The "o" in "ro" is long)

   • Short Vowel Sound: If the vowel sound is short, the consonant usually goes with the first syllable.

     • Example: riv-er (The "i" in "riv" is short)

2. Two Consonants Between Vowels (VCCV)

   • Divide between the two consonants.

     • Example: let-ter, bas-ket

3. Three or More Consonants Between Vowels

   • Generally, divide after the first consonant.

     • Example: con-flict, in-struc-tion

   • Exceptions:

     • Keep consonant digraphs (sh, ch, th, ph) together.

     • Keep consonant blends (like str, bl, fl) together.

4. Compound Words

   • Divide between the two words that make up the compound.

     • Example: sun-flower, base-ball

5. Prefixes and Suffixes

   • Usually, divide off prefixes and suffixes.

     • Example: un-happy, teach-er

6. Consonant + le

   • The consonant usually goes with the "le"

     • Example: ta-ble, ap-ple

   • Exceptions: Words ending in "ckle" (tick-le, pick-le)

7. Two Vowels Together

   • Diphthongs: If the two vowels make one combined sound (diphthong), keep them together.

     • Example: boil, coin

   • Two Separate Sounds: If the vowels make two distinct sounds, divide between them.

     • Example: di-et