Syllables

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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