vowel e

Core Rule

The vowel e rule usually refers to the silent e pattern. When a word ends in vowel + consonant + e, the final e is not pronounced but makes the preceding vowel say its long sound. For e-related patterns, this often results in /eɪ/.

Articulation Guide

For /eɪ/, the tongue glides from a mid-front position to a slightly higher front position. The mouth narrows gently, and airflow remains smooth.

Word Analysis

stale: Without e (stal), the vowel would be short. The silent e changes a from /æ/ to /eɪ/, while e itself stays silent.

Pitfalls

Not every final e is magic. In words like have or come, the e does not lengthen the vowel and must be memorized.