Spelling rule #2: An open syllable occurs when the vowel is not followed by a consonant. In most
cases the vowel will then be long.
(^) Note that the letter i in an open syllable will usually have the long e sound.
(^) Note that there are some unusual cases where a vowel diphthong produces a short vowel sound.
(^) Note also that there are a few unusual cases where a closed syllable containing only one vowel does
not produce a short vowel sound.
(^) The importance of correct syllabification (syl/lab/if/ic/a/tion) cannot be overemphasized. It is not only
an important aide to correct spelling, but it also offers clues to the correct pronunciation. Invariably, poor
spelling and poor pronunciation go together. Compare the following:
(^) Spelling rule #2: An open syllable occurs when the vowel is not followed by a consonant.
ACCENTS
There are no hard and fast rules covering the placement of the accent. It depends a great deal on the
origin of the word, its meaning, and whether it is a verb or a noun. With two-syllable words that are
identical (homographs and heteronyms), the accent is placed on the first syllable if it is a noun, whereas
the accent is on the second syllable when it is a verb.
(^) With some words, the English prefer to place the accent on the first syllable, whereas North Americans
place it on the second or even third syllable.
(^) However, there are no clear rules, and so the student must use a good dictionary.