-le syllable

Rule Core

-le as a syllable occurs when a word ends in consonant + le. The e is silent; the syllable is carried by l, pronounced /əl/ or syllabic /l̩/ (e.g., -ble, -cle, -dle).

Articulation Guide

Touch the alveolar ridge with the tongue tip. Let air pass laterally. Add a very light schwa, then resolve into a clear l with relaxed lips.

Word Analysis

acceptable /əkˈseptəbl/: -ble forms its own syllable. adorable /əˈdɔːrəbl/: same pattern. aisle /aɪl/: ends in -le but is not a syllabic -le.

Pitfalls

Do not pronounce -le as /liː/. Check morphology and stress.