Syllables · Grade 4

In Grade 4 you learn: compound words and longer words.

A syllable is a beat in a word. Each syllable has one vowel sound. cat has one syllable, rab-bit has two and el-e-phant has three. Clapping or tapping the beats helps you count them, and splitting a long word into syllables makes it easier to read and spell.

Key facts

  • Split between double consonants: rab-bit, but-ton, hap-py.
  • Split a compound word between its two words: sun-shine, foot-ball.
  • To spell a long word, say it one syllable at a time and write each part: hos-pi-tal → hospital.

Worked examples

Example 1

Split kitten into syllables.

Answer: kit-ten

Example 2

Put the syllables together: cal + cu + la + tor

Answer: calculator

Example 3

Spell important one syllable at a time.

Answer: im-por-tant

Other years