afoul

Syllables:
a·foul
2 syllables
afoul in syllables

About "afoul"

Syllables
2
Letters
5
Language
EN

How to Split "afoul" into Syllables

The word afoul is divided into 2 syllables: a·foul. Understanding this syllable division is essential for correct pronunciation and spelling.

📝 Syllable Breakdown

  • a — 1st syllable
  • foul — 2nd syllable

🔊 Pronunciation Guide

The phonetic transcription of afoul:

  • IPA: /əˈfaʊl/

Listen to Pronunciation

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📖 Definitions

  1. afoul (comparative more afoul, superlative most afoul)
  2. 1849, William F. Lynch, The Naval Officer, Chapter 2, in Graham’s Magazine, Volume 34, Number 3, March 1849,[2]

📚 Word Origin & History

From a- +‎ foul.

✓ Why Learn Syllable Division?

Understanding how to break down afoul into syllables helps with:

  • Correct pronunciation — Knowing syllable structure ensures accurate speech
  • Improved spelling — Breaking words into chunks makes them easier to remember and write
  • Reading fluency — Recognizing syllable patterns speeds up reading comprehension
  • Poetry and lyrics — Syllable counting is essential for meter and rhythm
  • Language learning — Non-native speakers benefit from syllable awareness

📊 Similar Words Comparison

Compare afoul with related words to understand syllable patterns:

Word Syllables Division
afoul 2 a·foul
Apple 1 apple
apply 2 app-ly
avail 2 a-vail
awful 2 aw-ful

🔗 Related Words

Explore syllable divisions of words related to afoul:

afoot, aforesaid, aforethought, aforementioned.

Frequently Asked Questions About "afoul"

How many syllables does "afoul" have?

afoul has 2 syllables: a·foul. The word is divided into 2 distinct sound units that make up the complete pronunciation.

Where is the stress in "afoul"?

The stress is on the first syllable: a. This means you emphasize the "a" part when pronouncing afoul.

How do you pronounce "afoul"?

afoul is pronounced as /əˈfaʊl/ (IPA notation). The syllables are divided as: a·foul.

Is "afoul" easy to spell?

Breaking afoul into syllables helps with spelling: a·foul. By pronouncing each syllable separately, you can identify the letters more easily and avoid common spelling mistakes.

Why learn to divide "afoul" into syllables?

Learning syllable division helps with correct pronunciation, improved spelling, better reading fluency, and is useful for poetry and lyric writing where syllable counting matters. It's especially helpful for language learners.