-le ending

Rule Core

The -le rule applies when a word ends in a consonant + le. The -le forms a stable final syllable pronounced /əl/, with stress placed on the preceding syllable. The vowel is reduced and does not carry full quality.

Articulation Guide

Finish the preceding consonant, then lift the tongue tip to the alveolar ridge for /l/. Keep the mouth relaxed, airflow continuous, and reduce the vowel to a brief schwa.

Example Analysis

tackle /ˈtæk.əl/: tack is stressed; -le is not /liː/ but a weak /əl/, yielding two syllables, not three.

Pitfall Alert

Do not overpronounce -le. It appears only after consonants (table, little, apple), not after vowels.