syllabic al

Core Rule

Syllabic al means the letter combination al functions as a full syllable, typically pronounced /ɔːl/ or /ɔː/ rather than split sounds. It often appears in stressed positions or before certain consonants.

Articulation Guide

Retract and raise the tongue slightly; form a rounded, half-open mouth; sustain airflow, finishing with a light /l/ closure.

Word Analysis

• appal: al forms a stressed syllable /ɔːl/.
• basketball: ball is a clear syllabic /bɔːl/.
• beanstalk: al lengthens to /ɔː/ before k.

Pitfalls

Do not confuse with al = /æl/; pronunciation depends on stress and syllable structure.