We created this comprehensive list of 2-syllable words for educators who wish to teach syllabication to students. These are Level 1 words, meaning they contain the following types of long words:
- VC | CV words like “rabbit” and “attic” (140 words)
- V | CV words like “tulip” and “tunic” (46 words)
- VC | V words like “edit” (41 words)
Note that in order to use these words in your material, students must have at least learned the Closed Syllable concept (but it is best if they have also already learned about Open Syllables).
Furthermore, the words here do not contain other syllable types like R-controlled Syllables and Magic-e Syllables, nor do they contain the schwa (ə) sound. This means they are very beginner-friendly, good for students who are weak readers or if you just want to focus on foundational concepts.
Finally, I have chosen to omit certain words like “expel” and “respect”, as even though many (including myself) pronounce the “e” as /ĕ/, according to most dictionaries, it is supposed to be pronounced as /ĭ/. Thus, only words with phonetically regular vowels have made it into this list.
Download our other free word list: