Here's why:
* Short vowel sounds are typically quick and sharp. They are often found in closed syllables (syllables ending in a consonant).
* Long vowel sounds are typically drawn out and can be represented by a single vowel with a silent "e" at the end of the word or a vowel digraph (two vowels together).
In the word "put," the vowel "u" has the short "u" sound, similar to the sound in "cup" or "sun."