How many syllables does "OUR" have?

Answer 1

BOTH one and two!

This is a good example of how "syllables" can be artificial, a useful tool, but not always accurately describing how we speak.

Of course, for those who say "ar" the answer is simple --one.

But in "standard" English dialects, the two combined vowels (or "diphthong") each make a distinct sound. Ordinarily, that is not a problem -- the same sound in "sound" or "out" is easily pronounced as one syllable. But when followed by an /L/ or /R/ sound, the moving of the mouth between sounds makes this much more difficult. We basically HAVE to add at least a slight "helping vowel" to make it work.

In fact, if you look up the pronunciation of the word in dictionaries you will see how they indicate this little, half-vowel (often raised above the line) and may include an alternate pronunciation in which that half-vowel becomes a full 'short e' sound.

Note, for instance the first entry in the following link, which has a one-syllable and two-syllable pronunciation. But the one indicated as a single syllable (as you can see by the fact that NO dashes are used to mark distinct syllables), there is a raised "uh" (also called a "schwa" -- an UN-accented vowel sound that sometimes virtually disappears).
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/our

I would generally argue for ONE syllable, but with the diphthong fully pronounced (NOT "ar"). More support for this -- consider how people SING the sound. It is typically sung to ONE note.

Answer 2

2

Answer 3

"1 1/2," sort of. :)

As English classes teach, and as the way the DICTIONARY shows in the way it divides words into their syllables, this word is a dipthong like the word -oil- or -boil- or -tire-, -tired-, etc.

Truly, by definition of the word -syllable- itself, these words still just have one of them. But they sort-of sound like two, don't they? That's why I say "1 1/2."


Mike

Answer 4

One

Answer 5

Hour- 2 Our-1 Our in a Poem- 1 or 2

Answer 6

it has one syllable when pronounced correctly. It has a diphthong that gently slides when carefully said.

Answer 7

That is a very interesting question. Both, I guess you could say. It really depends on where you are from and what kind of accent you have. I can imagine it both ways and it makes sense in both scenarios.

Very interesting. I will have to ask those around me.

Answer 8

It depends on where you live. In the south and on the east coast it's often pronounced like "aw-er" Pronounced like that it has two.
On the west coast it's often pronounced like "are" Pronounced like this it only has one.

Answer 9

Depends which region you are from. One if you are from the south, it's pronounced "air."

Answer 10

Two. It should be pronounced like "hour." Unfortunately, many pronounce it like "are."