Open Syllable vs. Closed Syllable: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
An open syllable ends in a vowel sound (e.g., "he"), while a closed syllable ends in a consonant sound (e.g., "hat").
Key Differences
Open Syllables are characterized by ending in a vowel, which typically makes a long vowel sound. In these syllables, the vowel is not followed by a consonant, allowing the vowel to 'breathe'. Closed Syllables, conversely, end with a consonant, which usually results in the vowel having a short sound.
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Open Syllables can be found in words like 'go' and 'baby,' where the final vowel is open and pronounced with its name. This openness often leads to a clearer and longer vowel sound. In Closed Syllables, like in 'cat' or 'end,' the vowel is followed by a consonant, making the vowel sound shorter and more clipped.
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When teaching phonics, Open Syllables are often taught as having a 'free' vowel sound, as there is no consonant to close it off. Closed Syllables are sometimes referred to as having 'trapped' vowel sounds, as the consonant following the vowel constrains how it is pronounced.
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In multisyllabic words, Open Syllables can influence the syllable's stress pattern, often receiving more emphasis due to the long vowel sound. Closed Syllables, however, tend to create a quicker, more muted sound, which can affect the rhythm and stress within a word.
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Open Syllables are more likely to appear in Romance languages, with their clear vowel endings, while Closed Syllables are commonly found in Germanic languages, reflecting a more consonant-heavy phonetic structure.
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Comparison Chart
Role in Phonics
Taught as having a 'free' vowel sound
Considered to have a 'trapped' vowel sound
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Presence in Languages
More common in Romance languages
More prevalent in Germanic languages
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Open Syllable and Closed Syllable Definitions
Open Syllable
Open syllables occur when no consonant follows the vowel.
In 'go,' the syllable is open.
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Closed Syllable
A closed syllable ends with a consonant, creating a short vowel sound.
The word 'hat' is a closed syllable.
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Open Syllable
A syllable that ends with a vowel sound, not closed by a consonant.
'We' is an example of an open syllable.
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Closed Syllable
Closed syllables typically form the core of shorter words.
The word 'cap' is a closed syllable.
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Open Syllable
An open syllable ends in a vowel sound that is usually long.
The word 'he' is an open syllable.
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Closed Syllable
A syllable where the vowel is 'closed off' by a consonant.
'Bat' is an example of a closed syllable.
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Open Syllable
Open syllables are often found at the end of words.
The word 'baby' ends with an open syllable.
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Closed Syllable
Closed syllables have the vowel followed by a consonant.
In 'cat,' the syllable is closed.
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Open Syllable
Open syllables have a vowel that sounds like its name.
'She' contains an open syllable.
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Closed Syllable
The vowel sound in a closed syllable is usually short.
'Dog' contains a closed syllable.
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
What defines an open syllable?
An open syllable ends in a vowel sound, often long.
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Are open syllables common in English?
Yes, especially in multisyllabic words.
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Are open syllables easier to learn for language learners?
They can be, due to the clarity and length of the vowel sound.
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Can a word have both open and closed syllables?
Yes, many longer words contain a mix of open and closed syllables.
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Do closed syllables always have short vowel sounds?
Generally, yes, the vowel sound in closed syllables is short.
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How does an open syllable affect word pronunciation?
It often makes the vowel sound longer and the syllable more emphasized.
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What is a closed syllable?
A closed syllable ends with a consonant, making the vowel sound short.
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Can open syllables help with learning phonics?
Yes, they are an important concept in phonics education.
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Are open and closed syllables unique to English?
No, they are concepts found in many languages.
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Do closed syllables contribute to the rhythm of a word?
Yes, they often create a quicker, more muted sound in the word.
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Is the word 'book' an example of a closed syllable?
Yes, 'book' is a closed syllable.
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How does an open syllable affect word endings?
Open syllables often give a clearer, more open sound at the end of words.
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Can a word have multiple open syllables?
Yes, words like 'radio' have multiple open syllables.
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Is 'open' an open syllable?
Yes, the first syllable of 'open' is an open syllable.
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Is the concept of open and closed syllables important for literacy?
Yes, understanding them is crucial for reading and spelling proficiency.
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Can the presence of an open syllable change a word's stress pattern?
Yes, open syllables often influence the stress pattern in multisyllabic words.
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Are all vowels in closed syllables short?
While most are, there are exceptions due to English's irregular spelling.
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Do closed syllables appear more in certain word types?
They are common in monosyllabic words and in the middle of multisyllabic words.
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How do open syllables affect vowel pronunciation?
They often result in the vowel being pronounced as its name.
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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