What does a closed syllable end with?

A closed syllable is defined as a syllable that ends with a consonant. The presence of the consonant at the end of the syllable "closes it off," which influences the vowel sound typically preceding it. In a closed syllable, this preceding vowel often produces a short sound. For instance, in the word "cat," the vowel "a" is followed by the consonant "t," making the syllable closed.

In contrast, if a syllable ends with a vowel, it is categorized as an open syllable, which often results in a long vowel sound, as seen in the word "go." Therefore, recognizing that closed syllables end specifically with consonants is essential for understanding phonics and syllable structure.