Syllables

Front

What is a syllable?

Back

A syllable is a single, unbroken sound of a spoken (or written) word. It usually contains a vowel sound.

Front

How many syllables are in the word 'banana'?

Back

The word 'banana' has three syllables: ba-na-na.

Front

What is an open syllable?

Back

An open syllable ends with a vowel sound, like 'go' or 'he'.

Front

What is a closed syllable?

Back

A closed syllable ends with a consonant, like 'cat' or 'bit'.

Front

Can a syllable have more than one vowel?

Back

Yes, a syllable can have two vowels, like in the word 'team'.

Front

What is a vowel?

Back

A vowel is a letter that represents a speech sound made with an open vocal tract. The vowels are A, E, I, O, U.

Front

What is a consonant?

Back

A consonant is a letter that represents a speech sound made by obstructing airflow. Examples include B, C, D, F.

Front

How do you split the word 'happy' into syllables?

Back

The word 'happy' can be split into two syllables: hap-py.

Front

What is an example of a word with three syllables?

Back

An example of a word with three syllables is 'elephant' (el-e-phant).

Front

What is a diphthong?

Back

A diphthong is a complex vowel sound that begins with one vowel sound and glides into another, like 'oi' in 'boil'.