The Six Syllable Types
There are six syllable types, and it is very helpful to new and remedial readers to be able to
identify the syllable types in words. If you teach reading or teach spelling, you have probably
noticed that the vowels can have different sounds. The sound that a vowel makes often depends
upon what type of syllable it is in.
Here are the six syllable types, in a suggested order of presentation:
Closed Syllables
Closed syllables have one vowel, followed by a consonant. The vowel has a short sound.
Examples include am, cut, him, pot, track, and French. Multi-syllable words can be made up of
entirely closed syllables, such as the words admonish or plastic.
R-Controlled Syllables
This syllable type can be called a "Bossy R syllable." In r-controlled syllable types, a vowel is
followed by the letter r. The r "controls" vowel, and gives it a different sound. Examples of rcontrolled syllables include far, hurt, and sir.
Open Syllables
An open syllable ends in a vowel and the vowel usually is long. Words containing open syllables
include be, so, baby, and veto.
Examples of open syllables combined with closed syllables include i>program and recess.
Vowel-Consonant-E Syllables
Vowel-Consonant-E syllables are also known as "VCE syllables" or "Magic E syllables." In this
syllable type, there is a vowel followed by a consonant and silent e. The silent e makes the vowel
before it long. One syllable VCE words include make and smile. There are many multi-syllable
words containing the VCE syllable type, such as reptile and disclose.
Vowel Team Syllables
Vowel team syllables are sometimes referred to as "vowel pair syllables." In a vowel team
syllable, two (or more) vowels come together to make one sound. Vowel teams are used in words
like out or beach. Multi-syllable words containing vowel team syllables include caution, loyal,
and discount.
Consonant-le Syllables
Sometimes referred to as "final, stable syllables," consonant-le syllables are normally found at the
end of a word. They consist of a consonant followed by the letters le. Examples of words ending
with this syllable type include turtle, middle, and table.