S

How many syllables in “before”?

2

syllables in "before"

before
database

Word details

Syllables

2

bef · ore

Letters

6

b · e · f · o · r · e

Scrabble

11

points

Common word

Scrabble letter values

b3
e1
f4
o1
r1
e1

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About the word “before

The word before contains 2 syllables, divided as bef · ore. It has 6 letters.

FAQ

How many syllables does "before" have?

"before" has 2 syllables.

How do you divide "before" into syllables?

"before" is divided into syllables as: bef · ore.

What is the Scrabble score for "before"?

The Scrabble score for "before" is 11 points.

Using “before” in writing

Two-syllable words like "before" (bef · ore) are the building blocks of iambic rhythm — the most common meter in English poetry. If the stress falls on the second syllable (da-DUM), it forms a perfect iamb, ideal for sonnets and iambic pentameter. It also fits neatly into the 5- or 7-syllable lines of a haiku.

In word games

In Scrabble and Words With Friends, before is worth 11 base points before any board multipliers. A solid mid-range score. Landing a high-value letter on a double letter square will push your total higher.

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