Vowels: The Biggest Source of Confusion
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1/9Vowel letters and vowel sounds are different
The five vowel letters do not each stand for just one sound. Compare 'bit', 'beat', 'bat', and 'bet': spelling and sound do not have a one-to-one relationship. Vowel inventories and pronunciations vary across English accents. Use dictionary audio for the variety you want to understand or practise, and compare words in context rather than memorising one universal sound count.
bit (short i) vs. beat (long ee)
Two different vowels. Not just 'longer' versions of each other.
cat (open a) vs. cut (uh) vs. cot (ah)
Three different vowels where many languages have one.
Tip
Practise contrasts that cause confusion in your own conversations. Vowels, consonants, stress and context can all affect understanding.