Open Syllable vs. Closed Syllable — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Published on December 14, 2023
An Open Syllable ends with a vowel sound (e.g., 'pa'), whereas a Closed Syllable ends with a consonant sound (e.g., 'pat').
Difference Between Open Syllable and Closed Syllable
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
An Open Syllable is one where the syllable ends in a vowel sound, allowing the vowel to have a long sound. This means that when you pronounce an Open Syllable, the vowel sounds like its name. For instance, the word 'me' has an Open Syllable. Here, the 'e' sounds like its name.
On the contrary, a Closed Syllable ends in a consonant sound. This typically causes the vowel to have a short sound. Consider the word 'met'. The 'e' here does not sound like its name, but has a shorter sound due to the following 't'. The syllable is 'closed off' by that consonant.
Open Syllables often appear at the beginning or middle of words, creating a more extended sound for the vowel. For example, in the word 'baby', 'ba' is an Open Syllable. On the other hand, Closed Syllables might appear anywhere within a word, giving a shortened sound to the vowel. In the same word 'baby', 'by' represents a Closed Syllable.
Open Syllables can sometimes create confusion for readers because the vowel sound is elongated. It's essential to recognize these to pronounce words correctly. Closed Syllables, by contrast, are more straightforward, with the vowel sound being quickly followed by a consonant.
Both Open and Closed Syllables have essential roles in the English language. Recognizing them can aid in reading, pronunciation, and understanding the phonetics of words.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Ends with
Vowel sound
Consonant sound
Vowel sound
Long (sounds like its name)
Short
Example
'he', 'ba' in 'baby'
'hat', 'by' in 'baby'
Common Position
Beginning or middle of words
Anywhere within a word
Role in pronunciation
Can make vowel sound elongated
Makes vowel sound short
Compare with Definitions
Open Syllable
An Open Syllable lets the vowel say its name or long sound.
In he, the 'e' sounds like 'ee'.
Closed Syllable
A Closed Syllable has a consonant following the vowel in the same syllable.
In sprint, 'sprin' is a Closed Syllable.
Open Syllable
An Open Syllable often aids in correct pronunciation of words.
Recognizing the Open Syllable in so helps pronounce it correctly.
Closed Syllable
A Closed Syllable has the vowel produce a short sound.
In bed, the 'e' sounds short.
Open Syllable
An Open Syllable can appear at the start or middle of words.
In create, 'cre' has an Open Syllable.
Closed Syllable
A Closed Syllable ends in a consonant sound.
In cat, 'cat' is a Closed Syllable.
Open Syllable
An Open Syllable ends in a vowel sound.
In the word go, 'go' is an Open Syllable.
Closed Syllable
A Closed Syllable can be found anywhere in a word.
In table, 'tab' is a Closed Syllable.
Open Syllable
An Open Syllable doesn't have a consonant following the vowel in the same syllable.
In music, 'mu' is an Open Syllable.
Closed Syllable
A Closed Syllable helps give words their distinct sounds.
The Closed Syllable in dot distinguishes it from doe.
Common Curiosities
How about a Closed Syllable example?
In the word "met", 'met' is a Closed Syllable.
Why is it called an Open Syllable?
Because the vowel sound remains "open" or elongated.
How does the vowel sound in a Closed Syllable?
It usually has a short sound.
Can you give an example of an Open Syllable?
Sure! In the word "me", 'me' is an Open Syllable.
Can a word have both Open and Closed Syllables?
Absolutely! In "baby", 'ba' is open and 'by' is closed.
Is it essential to recognize these syllables?
Yes, it aids in reading, pronunciation, and understanding word phonetics.
Is the vowel sound long in an Open Syllable?
Yes, it typically sounds like its name.
How do Open Syllables affect pronunciation?
They can make the vowel sound elongated.
Where can Closed Syllables be found in words?
They can be found anywhere within a word.
What's an Open Syllable?
An Open Syllable ends with a vowel sound.
What characterizes a Closed Syllable?
A Closed Syllable ends in a consonant sound.
What about Closed Syllables?
They often give the vowel a shorter sound.
Which is more common, Open or Closed Syllables?
Both are common and integral to the English language.
And why "Closed Syllable"?
The vowel sound is "closed off" by a following consonant.
Do Open Syllables only appear at the start of words?
No, they can also appear in the middle.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Colony Hybridization vs. Plaque Hybridization
Next Comparison
Disodium EDTA vs. Tetrasodium EDTAAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
