-le syllable

Core Rule

The -le syllable occurs when a word ends in consonant + le. Here, -le forms its own syllable with a syllabic /l̩/, not /liː/. Stress falls on the preceding syllable.

Articulation Guide

Raise the tongue tip to the alveolar ridge, let air pass along the sides. The mouth stays relaxed with no full vowel.

Word Analysis

• bottle /ˈbɒt.l̩/: final t + syllabic l.
• bundle /ˈbʌn.dl̩/: d blends into /l̩/.
• affordable /əˈfɔːr.də.bəl/: -able ends with a weak syllabic l sound.

Pitfalls

Avoid inserting a clear vowel before -le. Don’t confuse -le with -el/-al, which often keep a vowel sound.