The mostcommon sound for each vowel is its “short” sound: 1. ă,pronounced/æ/ as in apple, pan, or mat, 1. ĕ,pronounced /ɛ/ as in elephant, pen, or met, 1. ĭ, pronounced/ɪ/ as in insect, pin, or mitt, 1. ŏ, pronounce… See more

The alphabet sounds (when the vowel “says its name”) are called “long vowels.” We call them ‘long’ because we hold most of them slightly longer than the short sounds. However, they are completely different so… See more

The short sound of each vowel letter is more common. When in doubt, use the short sound, unless one of the following rules applies. The silent E rule is especially useful. There are a few exceptions (given below), but … See more

Besides the long and short sounds, there are other sounds English vowels can make. Many vowels in unaccented syllables have a neutral or “schwa” /ə/ sound.Examples: the ‘a’ in above or approve, the ‘e’ in accident, c… See more