2007-09-26 21:27:43 · 10 answers · asked by LaPalma 2 in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
No, not always. It's a difficult one to answer, that's the English language for you. Generally speaking that rule applies, but there are some words that have exceptions.
Howard H's answer isn't bad, but not technically correct. Words such as receive don't try and achieve the "a" sound.
Unfortunately it's just one of those silly quirks with the language.
2007-09-26 21:38:58 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree that most people remember it but also that it does have alot of exceptions and therefore is difficult to teach children! There are other more valuable rules that they can learn, such as the rule about the months, but to be honest I am not sure I learnt this ditty at school, but from y parents so they may stil lhear it any way from parents.
2016-04-06 03:18:08 · answer #2 · answered by Marie 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I before E, except after C, or when sounded like "A" as in "neighbor" and "weigh."
There are words that don't follow this rule, many of which are derived from German like Schmeisser.
2007-09-26 21:32:02 · answer #3 · answered by Howard H 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
No.
For a long discussion of the exceptions, see
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I_before_e_except_after_c
2007-09-27 01:12:31 · answer #4 · answered by Beardo 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. It is the most commonly known and most incorrect rule. 'It does not always apply.
2007-09-26 22:21:08 · answer #5 · answered by Pistachio 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
In most cases, yes.
2007-09-26 21:32:06 · answer #6 · answered by lyllyan 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
One word: weird.
2007-09-26 23:19:25 · answer #7 · answered by bakasai42 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes
2007-09-26 21:30:33 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
not in the name "Keith"
2007-09-26 23:53:26 · answer #9 · answered by Keith 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
...or pronounced as "A" as in neighbor or weigh
2007-09-26 21:31:01 · answer #10 · answered by dances with cats 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋