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# 3.2 English syllable

English allows the following monosyllabic words (words consisting of one syllable); the colon shows that the vowel is long):

## Table 2 Syllable complexity in English

Word | Syllable shape | Description
See | CV: | simple onset, no coda
Seat | CV:C | simple onset, simple coda
Tree | CCV: | complex onset, no coda
Street | CCCV:C | very complex onset, simple coda
Treats | CCV:CC | complex onset, complex coda
Strengths | CCCVCCC | very complex onset, very complex coda

We can see that the maximum size of the onset in English is three consonants, as is the maximum size of the coda. It is relevant to examine the kinds of consonants that can occur in different positions; these examples show the privileged status that liquid consonants enjoy as the second element in onset clusters, and the privileges that are associated with /s/ as the “outermost” (furthest from the vowel) member of clusters, both in the onset and in the coda. Phonotactic knowledge is generally not conscious, it demands consistent awareness-raising. Many of the above combinations are not possible in Spanish and Spanish speakers will therefore have difficulties pronouncing them.

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