Vowels and Consonants
Every letter in the alphabet is either a vowel or a consonant. Learn the difference and how each one works!
The 5 Vowels
Remember: A E I O U
What is a vowel?
Vowels are the letters A, E, I, O, U. When you say them, your mouth stays open and the sound flows freely. Every word needs at least one vowel to be readable!
Examples: ant, bed, fish, fox, up
What is a consonant?
Consonants are all the other 21 letters of the alphabet. When you say them, your tongue, teeth or lips block or change the flow of air. Examples: B, C, D, F, G, H, J, K, L, M, N, P, Q, R, S, T, V, W, X, Y, Z
Vowels in words
Every syllable must have a vowel. Look at these words and find the vowel:
Short vowel sounds
- A as in apple, ant, bat
- E as in egg, bed, net
- I as in insect, big, sit
- O as in orange, hot, dog
- U as in umbrella, cup, run
Key Vocabulary
Knowledge Check
Question 1
Which of these letters is a vowel?
Question 2
How many vowels are in the word "FROG"?
Question 3
Which of these is a consonant?
Question 4
Why does every word in English need at least one vowel?
Lesson Summary
- ✓There are 5 vowels: A, E, I, O, U.
- ✓There are 21 consonants — every letter that is NOT a vowel.
- ✓Every word needs at least one vowel to be readable and speakable.
- ✓Short vowel sounds: A (ant), E (egg), I (insect), O (orange), U (umbrella).