When a vowel is followed by the letter r, the r changes the way the vowel sounds. These are called r-controlled vowels, or sometimes “bossy r” vowels. The vowel does not make its regular long or short sound because the r controls it.
Think of the letter r as a “boss” that changes the vowel sound. The vowel does not sound long or short—it has a new sound with the r.
The letters ar usually make the sound you hear in the word “car.” It is one of the most common r-controlled vowel patterns.
The ar sound is often strong and clear. Practice stretching it out: c-a-r, st-a-r.
The letters er usually make the same sound you hear in “her.” This sound is very common in English words.
The er sound is the same sound made by ir and ur. Listen carefully to hear that they match.
The letters ir also make the same sound as er. Even though the spelling is different, the sound is the same.
Remember: ir, er, and ur usually sound the same. Try them all with the same sound.
The letters ur make the same sound as er and ir. This pattern often appears in the middle of words.
Even though er, ir, and ur are spelled differently, they usually sound the same. Say them out loud to hear the match.
The letters or usually make the sound you hear in the word “corn.” This is another common r-controlled vowel pattern.
The or sound is strong and round. Think of the word “or” when you read it: c-orn, f-ork.
R-controlled vowels are special patterns where the letter r changes the vowel’s sound. The five main patterns are ar, er, ir, ur, and or.
When you see a vowel followed by r, remember: the r is the boss! Try the r-controlled sound first to see if the word makes sense.