What is a closed syllable?

A closed syllable is characterized by ending in a consonant sound. This often results in the vowel sound being "closed off," which typically leads to a short vowel pronunciation. For example, in the word "cat," the syllable is closed because it ends with the consonant sound /t/, which influences how the preceding vowel /æ/ sounds.

Other choices don't accurately define a closed syllable. A syllable that ends with a vowel sound describes an open syllable, which usually allows for the vowel to be pronounced as a long sound. Syllables with two vowel sounds may refer to diphthongs or other structures, while a syllable followed by a pause doesn't provide information relevant to its closure regarding consonants and vowels. Clear understanding of these syllable structures is essential as they impact pronunciation and phonetic patterns in speech.