EY says long A
EY can say the long A sound “ay”, like in 'they' and 'obey'.
How this rule works
The vowel team EY often makes the long A sound “ay”: they, obey, grey, prey, hey, survey. (EY also says long E “ee” at the end of many words — money, key, honey — where the Y is doing the 'long E' job.)
Remember: EY says long A — they obey!
Examples
Words that use this rule
9 words in the SnapPhonics dictionary use this rule. Tap any word to see how it breaks into sounds.
Exceptions
EY says long E /iː/ in words like 'key', 'money', and 'honey' — there the Y is the long-E ending (see 'Y as 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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