AI Tutor
Every English syllable contains a vowel sound, which is produced with an open, unobstructed vocal tract.
The five vowel letters are A, E, I, O, and U. Each vowel makes a quick, crisp sound called its short sound.
How do your mouth and lips change shape when you switch between these sounds? Let's check out the first two.

Short A and Short E

Short A says /Γ¦/ like in cat or apple β€” your jaw drops down low and your mouth opens wide.
Short E says /Ι›/ like in bed or egg β€” your mouth stretches sideways into a gentle, relaxed smile.
What happens when your mouth makes an even tighter grin, or rounds into an 'O' circle?

Short I, O, and U

Short I says /Ιͺ/ like itch or pig β€” keep your mouth in a tight grin and make a short sound from the back of your throat.
Short O says /Ι’/ like octopus or pot β€” make your mouth open into a tall, round oval.
Short U says /ʌ/ like umbrella or sun β€” relax your mouth completely and let out a quick, easy sound from your belly.