Here's the breakdown:
* General rule: Syllables are typically formed around vowels. So, you'll usually have a vowel sound at the center of each syllable.
* Dividing between consonants: When you have two or more consonants together, the syllable division often occurs between the consonants. This is because the first consonant usually combines with the vowel before it.
* Examples:
* "ba-by" - The "b" and "y" are separate consonants, and the syllable breaks between them.
* "ap-ple" - The "p" and "l" are together, and the syllable division is between them.
* Exceptions: There are some exceptions to this rule, especially when dealing with consonant digraphs (combinations of letters that make a single sound). For example:
* "wa-ter" - The "t" and "e" are together, but they create the "t" sound, so the syllable breaks between the "w" and "a."
* "sh-out" - The "sh" is a digraph representing a single sound, so the syllable breaks before it.
* Context matters: The best way to determine where to divide syllables is to say the word out loud and pay attention to where the natural pauses occur. Syllable division can also vary depending on the word's pronunciation.
Let me know if you'd like to explore any specific examples!