Short e and Long a

Here's another pair that can cause trouble for those practicing pronunciation...short e and long a.

short e (ε)

• grimace like when you're slightly disgusted with something or you didn't hear someone clearly.
• open the mouth a little wider (about half of your thumb's length wide)
• do this sound for 1 beat.

long a (e or εi)

• start in the same position as (ε)
• then smile
• do this for 2 beats.

(ε)    short e                                                        (εi) long a

                                           fell                                                                       fail

                                           sell                                                                      sail

                                           bell                                                                      bail

                                           tell                                                                       tale

                                           cell                                                                      sail

                                           dell                                                                      dale

                                           well                                                                      wail

(ε) short e

1. Seven enviable men set out today.
2. I wept when a friend had a debt.
3. Get some medicine for your headache.
4. Dr. Bell said the wet, heavy weather is bad for you.

(εi) long a

1. Katie said she waited for a pail.
2. The way to the oasis is dangerous.
3. The rain seems a waste of water.
4. An acre of acorns makes squirrels insane.

Tongue Twisters!

Red ravens renege on their deal

And the lame rabbit's rage is more than ideal

To teach them lessons they'll never forget:

Don't bait a rabbit you've only just met.