-le syllable

Rule Core

The -le syllable appears at word endings as consonant + le. The e is silent, and the syllable is pronounced as a reduced /əl/ or syllabic /l̩/. Stress stays on the preceding syllable.

Articulation Guide

Relax the jaw, lightly place the tongue tip at the alveolar ridge, and let air flow along the sides for /l/. For /l̩/, the tongue alone carries the syllable with minimal vowel quality.

Word Analysis

• ankle /ˈæŋ.kəl/: clear consonant before a weak -le.
• cycle /ˈsaɪ.kəl/: c = /k/; -le reduces.
• pineapple /ˈpaɪnˌæp.əl/: final -ple functions as -le.

Pitfalls

Avoid pronouncing -le as /liː/. Don’t drop the consonant before -le. Distinguish from -el/-al, which may carry a clearer vowel.