Short vowel sounds are not held for an extended period, and they usually appear in syllables that are stressed and closed off by a consonant. Long vowels, on the other hand, sound like the letter name and are held longer. The mouth is often more tensed and the tongue is positioned higher.

Long and short vowels in phonics relate to the different pronunciations of vowel sounds in words. Long vowels typically have the same sound as the name of the vowel itself, like the ‘a’ in ‘cake.’ On the other hand, short vowels have a different sound from their letter name, such as the ‘a’ in ‘cat.’

When a vowel makes the sound of a particular letter, then it is a short sound. However, when the vowel sounds like the letter’s name, then it makes a long sound. The sound the vowel makes depends on its position in the word and the letters that surround it. For example:- the ‘a’ in ‘fat’ and ‘e’ in ‘bed’ make short vowel sounds.

Short and long vowel sounds play a crucial role in the English language. Understanding the difference between them is essential for proper pronunciation. Short vowel sounds are the ones commonly associated with the letters “a,” “e,” “i,” “o,” and “u.” On the other hand, long vowel sounds sound like the name of the letter itself.