EIay
EI says long A
EI sometimes says long A “ay”, like in 'vein' and 'rein'.
How this rule works
The vowel team EI can say the long A sound “ay” in a set of words: vein, rein, veil, beige. (EI says long E “ee” in other words, often after C — see the companion 'EI says long E' rule.)
Remember: EI can say long A — vein, rein, veil!
Examples
Words that use this rule
8 words in the SnapPhonics dictionary use this rule. Tap any word to see how it breaks into sounds.
Exceptions
EI says long E /iː/ after C in words like 'receive' and 'ceiling' — see vowel_team_ei_long_e.
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.
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