Understanding Short and Long Vowels

Learn the difference between short and long vowel sounds in English with our easy-to-follow video.

Understanding the difference between short and long vowels is essential for English pronunciation. This video explains how vowel sounds change when moving from a CVC (Consonant-Vowel-Consonant) pattern to a CVCE (Consonant-Vowel-Consonant-E) pattern.

Short "a" to Long "ā":

• Cap (CVC) → Cape (CVCE)
• Mat (CVC) → Mate (CVCE)

Short "i" to Long "ī":

• Kit (CVC) → Kite (CVCE)
• Pin (CVC) → Pine (CVCE)

Short "o" to Long "ō":

• Hop (CVC) → Hope (CVCE)
• Rob (CVC) → Robe (CVCE)

Short "u" to Long "ū":

• Cub (CVC) → Cube (CVCE)
• Tub (CVC) → Tube (CVCE)

By adding an "e" at the end of these words, the short vowel sound transforms into a long vowel sound. 

Knowing how to transform the vowel from short to long vowels helps you pronounce English words more correctly.