Vowel Sounds

A vowel is a letter in the alphabet that represents a speech sound made without any closure or blockage of the vocal tract. The vowels in English are A, E, I, O, and U.

Long vowel sounds are vowel sounds that are pronounced the same as the name of the letter. For example, the 'a' in 'cake' is a long vowel sound.

Short vowel sounds are vowel sounds that are pronounced quickly and do not sound like the name of the letter. For example, the 'a' in 'cat' is a short vowel sound.

The word 'cake' has a long 'a' sound.

The word 'pen' has a short 'e' sound.

The vowel sound in 'boat' is /o:/.

The vowel sound in 'bike' is /i:/.

Long vowel sounds are pronounced longer and sound like the letter name, while short vowel sounds are pronounced quickly and do not sound like the letter name.

A silent vowel is a vowel that is not pronounced in a word, such as the 'e' in 'cake'.

The word 'top' has a short 'o' sound.