Hyphenation ofsecond-in-command

Linguistic Analysis of "second-in-command" (US English)

1. Pronunciation Examination:

The word "second-in-command" is a compound noun phrase functioning as a single lexical item. Its pronunciation involves multiple syllables and a complex stress pattern. The hyphenated structure influences the perceived syllable boundaries.

2. Syllable Division:

Following US English syllabification rules, the word breaks down as follows (using only original letters):

3. Morphemic Analysis:

• Prefix: "second" - Old English secon(d), meaning "following in order." Functions as an ordinal number modifying the noun phrase.
• Interfix: "in" - This is not a traditional prefix or suffix, but an interfix used to connect "second" and "command." It doesn't have a clear etymological origin in this context, but serves a grammatical function.
• Root: "command" - From Old French comandement, ultimately from Latin commendare ("to entrust, recommend"). Functions as the core noun denoting authority.

4. Stress Identification:

The primary stress falls on the third syllable, "com". The secondary stress falls on the first syllable, "sec".

5. Phonetic Transcription:

/ˌsɛkənd ɪn kəˈmænd/

6. Edge Case Review:

The hyphenated structure is crucial. Without the hyphens, the syllabification would be different (e.g., se-cond-in-com-mand). The "in" is a weak syllable and often reduced to /ɪn/ or even /n/.

7. Grammatical Role:

The word functions solely as a noun phrase. Syllabification and stress remain consistent regardless of its role within a sentence.

8. Definition & Semantics:

• Definition: A person who is second in authority to the commander or leader.
• Grammatical Category: Noun Phrase
• Synonyms: deputy, vice-president, understudy, lieutenant
• Antonyms: commander, leader, boss
• Examples: "The general appointed a capable second-in-command." "She served as the CEO's second-in-command for many years."

9. Phonological Comparison:

• "understand": un-der-stand /ˌʌn.dɚˈstænd/ - Similar syllable structure with a stressed final syllable.
• "overcome": o-ver-come /oʊ.vərˈkoʊm/ - Similar stress pattern with a secondary stress on the first syllable.
• "begin-ning": be-gin-ning /bɪˈɡɪn.ɪŋ/ - Demonstrates hyphenated compound structure and stress on the second element.

Detailed Syllable Analysis:

Division Rules Applied:

1. Onset-Rime Division: Syllables are divided between the onset (initial consonants) and the rime (vowel and following consonants).
2. Consonant-Coda Division: When a syllable ends in a consonant, that consonant forms the coda.
3. Vowel-Coda Division: When a syllable ends in a vowel, it's an open syllable.
4. Stress Assignment: Primary stress falls on the third syllable ("com") due to its prominence in the root word "command". Secondary stress falls on the first syllable ("sec") as part of the compound structure.

Special Considerations:

The hyphenated structure is a key exception. Without it, the syllabification would be significantly different. The interfix "in" presents a unique case, not fitting neatly into traditional morphemic categories. Regional variations in pronunciation (e.g., rhotic vs. non-rhotic accents) could affect vowel quality but not syllable division.