There are two kinds of syllables: closed syllables and open syllables.

Closed syllables end with a consonant. Vowels in closed syllables are usually short.

Examples: cat, ten, kid, dog, cup, gym. (The final consonants are t, n, d, g, p, m.)

Open syllables end with a vowel, and the vowel is usually long.

Examples: name, he, I, no, glue, my.