Here's why:
* Spelling: The vowel "a" is followed by a silent "e" at the end of the word. This pattern typically indicates a long vowel sound.
* Pronunciation: The sound of "a" in "ape" is the same as the sound of the letter "a" in words like "face" and "make". It's a long, open sound, not a short, closed sound.
Short vowel sounds are typically found in words like "cat", "dog", "pen", "sun", and "but". These sounds are quick and closed off.