Here's why:
* Syllable Definition: A syllable is a unit of pronunciation that consists of a single vowel sound, with or without surrounding consonants.
* Vowel Sound: Vowel sounds are created by the open passage of air through the mouth. They are the core of a syllable.
* Consonants: Consonants are produced by obstructing the airflow in the mouth. They can surround a vowel sound, but they don't create a syllable on their own.
Example:
* The word "cat" has one syllable. The vowel sound is "a", which is the core of the syllable.
* The word "tree" also has one syllable. The vowel sound is "ee", which is the core of the syllable.
While some words may have multiple vowels within a single syllable, these vowels often combine to form a single vowel sound, such as in "eat" or "boy."