long i (i-e)
Core Rule
The i-e long vowel (split digraph i_e) means the silent e at the end of a word makes i say its letter name /aɪ/, even when one or more consonants sit between them.
Articulation Guide
Start with a relaxed open jaw. Glide the tongue from low-front to high-front. The mouth narrows slightly as airflow remains continuous.
Word Analysis
abide clearly shows i_e → /əˈbaɪd/. abusive keeps a long i despite the medial consonant. affiliation is not a true i-e case; its long vowel comes from morphological stress and suffixation.
Pitfalls
Do not assume every i…e spells /aɪ/. Stress patterns and word origins can override the rule.
Phonics Breakdown
Glide tongue low-to-high front, jaw closes slightly: /aɪ/
Sound Reference
- Check for a silent final e
- Confirm only consonants sit between i and e
Common Mistakes
Treating affiliation as a true i-e case
Ignoring stress-related vowel changes
Example Words
All Words (112)
abide abusive affiliation alignment amiable annie antibiotic artillery ascribe assign bean bias bible bicycle biochemical biochemist biographer blind brief bright brighten captive define denial desire device diabetes diagram dialect diet dilution diver diverse divert driver economy elite empire entire entirely entirety examine expire eyelid eyesight famine feminine finite foresight fortnight frightened frightening gasoline highlight hijack horizon idealistic identity idol insightful invasive iron ironic isolate isolation likelihood managerial miami might mighty millie mindset minority monkey moonlight night notoriety permissive personally pie piracy police premise priceless primitive privacy promise quite radiate realization requirement resign restart retirement ripen satellite sight sightseeing silence slightly sometimes storyline thigh tight tireless title tonight tribe unlike via vibration wire