What is closed syllable?

A closed syllable is a type of syllable in phonetics and phonology. In a closed syllable, the vowel is followed by a consonant, which prevents any further consonant or vowel sounds from being added to the syllable. The consonant "closes" off the syllable, creating a distinct sound.

Closed syllables typically have short vowel sounds, as the vowel is "closed in" by the following consonant and cannot be elongated. Examples of closed syllables include words like "cat," "sit," and "mad."

Closed syllables are common in English and are often the foundation for basic spelling and pronunciation rules. Understanding closed syllables can help learners comprehend the structure of words and improve their reading and spelling skills.