Let's practice 100+ words with long and short vowel sounds! A vowel is a sound we make with our mouth and vocal cords open, without touching our tongue to any other part of our mouth. In vowel sounds the air flows freely (differently from consonants, in which we block the air with our tongue, lips, or teeth). Vowels in English are represented by the letters A, E, I, O, and U. The letter Y is considered a “semivowel” because sometimes it represents a vowel sound, and sometimes it represents a consonant sound. English vowels can be divided into two types: long vowels and short vowels. The difference between them is in the duration of their pronunciation. Long vowels are pronounced with an extended sound, while short vowels have a quicker sound. Want to improve your pronunciation even more? Join my pronunciation course!   Pronunciation & Shadowing Courses:    30 lessons each course: Listen & repeat words & phrases to practice all the sounds of American English and speak more continuously. Pronunciation evaluation: Send us a recording of your speaking, and get corrections and feedback from an Espresso English teacher. Speak English more clearly & confidently!