The long a sound says its name, just like the letter a in the alphabet. There are several spelling patterns that make the long a sound. Learning these patterns helps with reading new words and spelling correctly.
When a vowel is followed by a silent e, it often makes the long vowel sound. Example: cake, plane, game.
When the letter a is followed by a consonant and then a silent e, it usually makes the long a sound.
Think of the silent e as a helper that makes the vowel say its name. Without the e, the vowel is usually short.
The letters ai often work together to make the long a sound. This pattern usually appears in the middle of words.
Use ai in the middle of a word. Example: rain, paint, train.
The letters ay usually make the long a sound when they are at the end of a word or syllable.
Use ay at the end of a word or syllable. Example: play, day, away.
The letters ea can sometimes make the long a sound, though it is less common. You will see this in only a few words.
If ea does not sound like long E (as in “leaf”), try the long a sound. Example: great, break, steak.
There are several spelling patterns for the long a sound. Recognizing these patterns makes reading and spelling easier.
When you see a vowel team or a silent e, try the long vowel sound first. If it doesn’t sound right, try another vowel sound until the word makes sense.