Here's a breakdown:
1. Understanding the Concept of Vowel Digraphs:
* Vowel Digraphs: Two vowels together often represent a single sound. Examples: "oa" in "boat," "ai" in "rain," "ee" in "feet."
* Diphthongs: These are vowel sounds where your tongue glides from one position to another within a single syllable. Examples: "oi" in "coin," "ow" in "cow."
* Important Note: Vowel digraphs and diphthongs are often *not* divided when you're trying to break words into syllables.
2. Syllabication Rules:
* Single Consonant: A single consonant generally goes with the following vowel. For example, "ca-ble," "li-on," "di-rect."
* Double Consonant: Double consonants are often divided between syllables. For example, "bet-ter," "run-ning," "hap-py."
* Consonant Blends: Consonant blends (like "bl," "tr," "st") are usually kept together. For example, "blue-berry," "string," "trash."
3. Context is Key:
The best way to determine where to divide vowels is to consider the pronunciation and the context of the word.
Example:
* The word "butter" has two consonants between the vowels. It is pronounced "but-ter," not "bu-tter." The "tt" blend stays together.
Important Note: There are exceptions to the general rules, and some words might be divided differently depending on pronunciation or regional accents.
For further guidance, consult a dictionary or a reliable grammar resource.