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
10 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.
Save words to study lists, build flashcard decks, and scan your own worksheets and books.