AIay
AI Vowel Team
When A and I are together, they say long A, like in 'rain' and 'train'.
How this rule works
The vowel team 'ai' makes the long A sound “ay”. It usually appears in the middle of a word. At the end of a word, the same sound is usually spelled 'ay'.
Remember: AI in the middle says long A — rain on the train!
Examples
Words that use this rule
85 words in the SnapPhonics dictionary use this rule. Tap any word to see how it breaks into sounds.
afraidaiaimaimedaimsbaitbraincampaignchainclaimclaimedcomplaincomplainedcontaincontainedcontainmentdailydetaildetailsdomaindraindrainingemailentertainentertainmentexplainexplainedfailfailingfailsfaintfaithgaingaininggrainjaillackadaisicallaidmaidmaidsmailmainmainlynailobtainpaidpailpainpainfulpainlesspaintedpainterpaintingpaintingsplainportraiturepraiserailrailwayrainrainbowrainedraisereclaimregainremainremainsrestraintsailsailedslainsnailspainsprainstainstraightstraintailtailstrailtraintrainersvainwaistwait
Exceptions
Exception: 'said' (AI says /ɛ/).
What is SnapPhonics?
A phonics reference for teachers, parents and learners. Every English word, broken into the sounds that make it — with audio, syllables, and the rule behind each spelling.
Save words to study lists, build flashcard decks, and scan your own worksheets and books.