Counting syllables — English pronunciation practice

How to say it

One beat for each vowel sound — “clap as you say the word — each clap is a syllable”

1. Say the word slowly and clap once for each beat: el – e – phant = 3.
2. Count vowel SOUNDS, not vowel letters: “school” has one sound (oo) = 1 beat.
3. Do not add beats: film = 1, school = 1, asked = 1.

Use it for: Saying and spelling long words, poems and songs, and finding word stress in Part 3.

Worked example: How many syllables (beats) are in “elephant”? → 3

✏️ Practice

Listen (🔊) or read, then tap your choice. Say each word aloud after you check. Stuck? Press “Show me how”.

🏁 Lesson 13 test

20 questions. Check each answer, then go to the next one. Get 16 or more right to pass.

🏅 Sign in with Google to earn the 🥁 Syllable Counter badge when you pass — and a certificate when you finish all 8 lessons of Part 2 · Spelling and sound. You can still take the test without signing in.

🖨️ Syllable Counting Worksheet

• Worksheet set 1 (PDF)
• Worksheet set 2 (PDF)
• Worksheet set 3 (PDF)