swallow

Syllables:
swal·low
2 syllables
swallow in syllables

About "swallow"

Syllables
2
Letters
7
Language
EN

How to Split "swallow" into Syllables

The word swallow is divided into 2 syllables: swal·low. Understanding this syllable division is essential for correct pronunciation and spelling.

📝 Syllable Breakdown

  • swal — 1st syllable
  • low — 2nd syllable

🔊 Pronunciation Guide

The phonetic transcription of swallow:

  • IPA: /ˈswɒl.əʊ/

Listen to Pronunciation

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📖 Definitions

  1. swallow (third-person singular simple present swallows, present participle swallowing, simple past and past participle swallowed)
  2. swallow (countable and uncountable, plural swallows)

📚 Word Origin & History

From Middle English swolowen, swolwen, swolȝen, swelwen, swelȝen, from Old English swelgan, from Proto-West Germanic *swelgan, from Proto-Germanic *swelganą (“to swallow, revel, devour”), from Proto-Indo-European *swelk- (“to gulp”). Cognate with Dutch zwelgen (“to revel, carouse, guzzle”), German schwelgen (“to delight, indulge”), Swedish svälja (“to swallow, gulp”), Icelandic svelgja (“to swallow”), Old English swillan, swilian (“to swill, wash out, gargle”). Se...

✓ Why Learn Syllable Division?

Understanding how to break down swallow 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 swallow with related words to understand syllable patterns:

Word Syllables Division
swallow 2 swal·low
seal 2 se-al
suckle 1 suckle
sickle 1 sickle
she'll 1 she'll

🔗 Related Words

Explore syllable divisions of words related to swallow:

swab, swag, SWAK, swam, swan, swap, SWAT, sway.

Frequently Asked Questions About "swallow"

How many syllables does "swallow" have?

swallow has 2 syllables: swal·low. The word is divided into 2 distinct sound units that make up the complete pronunciation.

Where is the stress in "swallow"?

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

How do you pronounce "swallow"?

swallow is pronounced as /ˈswɒl.əʊ/ (IPA notation). The syllables are divided as: swal·low.

Is "swallow" easy to spell?

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

Why learn to divide "swallow" 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.