Open and Closed Syllables

An open syllable ends with a vowel sound and usually has one vowel that is pronounced long. Example: 'zebra'.

A closed syllable ends with a consonant and has a short vowel sound. Example: 'cat'.

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

The word 'table' has an open syllable ('ta') and a closed syllable ('ble').

The word 'penmanship' has three syllables: 'pen', 'man', 'ship'.

The vowel sound in an open syllable is usually long.

The vowel sound in a closed syllable is usually short.

Yes, a word can have both open and closed syllables. Example: 'bacon' has an open syllable ('ba') and a closed syllable ('con').

The first syllable in 'contest' is a closed syllable: 'con'.

The last syllable in 'zebra' is an open syllable: 'bra'.