long ai

Rule Core

The ai long vowel typically represents /eɪ/. As a vowel team, a + i work together to produce a single sound, following the principle that the first vowel "speaks." It commonly appears in stressed syllables.

Articulation Guide

Start with a mid-open jaw position, then glide upward. The tongue moves from mid-low to mid-high; lips shift from relaxed to slightly spread. Airflow is smooth and continuous.

Word Analysis

• campaign: cam-pai-gn, the ai clearly produces /eɪ/.
• height: despite containing an “i,” it uses the igh pattern and sounds /aɪ/, not an ai long vowel—an important contrast.

Pitfalls

Do not confuse ai with ay or igh. Position in the word and spelling pattern determine the sound.