A study examined the usefulness of two rules of syllabification: (1) if the first vowel or vowel digraph in a word is followed by two consonants that are not parts of a consonant digraph, the first syllable ends with the first of the two consonants, such as, nor-mal; and (2) if the first vowel or vowel digraph in a word is followed by a single consonant, that consonant usually begins the second syllable, such as, so-lo. Using 16,620 words from the "Scott Foresman Advanced Dictionary," the study concluded that the chances of correctly syllabifying all the words in the language containing vowel-consonant-consonant-vowel (VCCV) patterns are 43%, using rule one. Also, the chances of correctly syllabifying all of the words in the language containing VCV patterns are 32%, using rule two. Finally, the chances of correctly syllabifying all two-syllable words in the language are 39%, using both rules as they apply. It is clear that these rules, even in their best form, should not be taught. For syllabification, pronunciation, and definition, the dictionary is the best source. (SRT)