Vowels:
* Single sound: Vowels are produced by a single, unchanging sound. Your mouth position remains relatively static throughout the entire sound.
* Examples: The "a" in "cat", the "e" in "bed", the "i" in "bit", the "o" in "hot", the "u" in "but"
Diphthongs:
* Two sounds: Diphthongs are formed by gliding from one vowel sound to another within a single syllable. Your mouth changes position as you produce the sound.
* Examples: The "oi" in "boy", the "ou" in "house", the "ai" in "rain", the "au" in "cloud"
Here's a table to illustrate:
| Feature | Vowels | Diphthongs |
|---|---|---|
| Sound type | Single, unchanging | Two sounds, gliding from one to another |
| Mouth position | Static | Changes |
| Example | "a" in "cat" | "oi" in "boy" |
In short:
* Vowels are single, steady sounds.
* Diphthongs are a combination of two vowel sounds that glide into one another.