stays short

Rule Core

Unchanged short vowels refer to short vowel sounds that remain stable when a vowel appears in a closed syllable, followed by one or more consonants. The vowel does not shift to a long sound despite spelling length or stress patterns.

Articulation Guide

Short vowels use a small mouth opening, steady tongue position, and brief airflow. The sound is quick and pure, without gliding.

Word Analysis

• attention: The first syllable at- is closed; a stays /æ/.
• grass: The vowel a is closed by ss, producing /æ/.
• rotten: o is followed by double t, keeping the short /ɒ/ or /ɑ/ sound.

Pitfall Alert

Do not assume longer spellings or double consonants change the vowel sound. Focus on syllable closure.