Since English has more sounds than letters, a combination of letters is often necessary to represent a single sound.Īt their simplest, short vowel sounds are usually spelled with a single letter, while long vowel and other vowel sounds are generally spelled with combinations of letters.

Phonics is the link between the spelling of a word and its pronunciation. Memorizing key words allows easier comparison between different vowel sounds. Key words are used because vowel sounds are easier to hear within a word than when they are spoken in isolation. The vowel chart shows the key word, or quick reference word, for each English vowel sound. They are used here to give a name to a vowel sound so when the sound is discussed, the name and not the sound (which many beginner students cannot yet hear correctly) is used. These archaic terms are still in popular use in American classrooms and online. It is important for ESL/ELL/EFL students to realize that the terms 'long' and 'short' are not describing the length of time a vowel sound is said.

The long vowel sounds are not pronounced for longer time than short vowel sounds! Other vowels (the remaining vowel sounds).Short vowels (the most common sound for a single vowel spelling).Long vowels (vowels that sound like the letter name).Vowel sounds are divided into the following three categories:

What is vowel sound