What is the spelling rule to determine if "y" is a vowel?

Answer 1

From Mrs. Dennis's first grade web site:

When y is a vowel:
Anytime that Y sounds like i or e it is a vowel.

When Y comes at the end of a two or more syllable word, Y has the sound of long e if the Y syllable is unaccented.
ex: funny, penny, soapy, flaky, tidy

When Y comes at the end of a two or more syllable word, Y has the sound of long i if the Y syllable is accented.
ex: defy, comply, identify, supply, multiply

If the Y doesn't sound like i or e, then it is a consonant.
ex: yes, yuletide, yucca, yam, yard, yellow

Answer 2

This may help:

Two Vowels Go Walking
Rule: When two vowels are together, the first one usually has a long vowel sound. “When two vowels go walking, the first one does the talking!”

“Y” Within Words
Rule: The letter “y” within a word usually makes the long “i” sound.

Words Ending in “Y”
Rule: When a word ends in a consonant followed by the letter “y,” you will change the “y” to “i” before adding an ending. Do not change the “y” to “i” when you add the ending “ing.”

Verb Review
Rule: Remember to make spelling changes to verbs when adding “ed” and “ing.”

Soft “G” Sound Words
Rule: When the letter “g” is followed by the letters “e,” “i,” or “y,” it usually makes the soft “g” sound like the letter “j.”

Soft “C” Sound Words
Rule: When the letter “c” is followed by the letters “e,” “i,” or “y,” it usually makes the soft “c” sound like the letter “s.”

Comparative Endings
Rule: To make an adjective compare two things, add “er” to the end. If the adjective ends with “y,” change the “y” to an “i” and then add “er.”


Good Luck....

Answer 3

the rule of thumb is that a notice would desire to have a vowel. no count if it fairly is a notice like hymn, or lynx, then the "y" turns right into a vowel by employing default. greater importantly, the "Y" (sound) substitues for "u" (sound) in words at the same time with college and ordinary and subsequently takes an "a" as a exchange of the familiar pre-vowel "an."

Answer 4

Y is a vowel if there is no other vowel in the syllable.

So its not just a vowel in words like why or fly but also in crying because the first syallable cry has no other vowel.

Hope that helps!!

Answer 5

I f the y in tha word sounds like a i that how you know if it is a vowel. Like the word by. But is in a word that does not sound like a y its considered a consonant

Answer 6

If the sound creates another syllable, it is considered a vowel I think :)

Answer 7

If you can the 'i" sound in its place, y is being used as a vowel. Try can be tri. Dye can be die, etc.

Answer 8

When there are no other vowels in the word - such as - why, and cry, or shy, etc.

Answer 9

if y as the end of th word like
sticky