Vowels
Understand the basic sounds of English: vowels
Almost every word in English has one or more vowels. For example, the words car, hit, and mad all have one vowel sound. A few words have no vowels, such as the words psst or shh.
We create vowel sounds with a steady vibration of air as we talk.
For example: I ate eggs, apples, and oranges.
Make the vowel sound of the first letters of each word without stopping the air flow from your mouth.
(/aɪ/ I, /e/ ate, /æ/ eggs, /æ/ apples, /ə/ and /ɑ/ oranges)
Vowel letters
- a, e, i, o, u, (y)
Long and Short vowels
Vowel sounds are commonly described as long and short. This is a quick, simple way to talk about the sound of vowels. Just remember, vowel sounds are not only long and short; each sound changes based on the position and tenseness of the tongue and lips.
- /I/ long e sound
- /ɪ/ short i sound
- /e/ long a sound
- /ɛ/ short e sound
- /æ/ short a sound
- /a/ short o sound
- /ə/ schwa sound
- /u/ long u sound
- /ʊ/ short u sound
- /o/ long o sound
Diphthongs
A diphthong combines two vowel sounds. The most common diphthongs of English are:
- /eɪ/
- /æ/
- /oʊ/
- /aɪ/
- /aʊ/
- /ɔɪ/
Check the Pronunciation Guide for examples.