Bisyllabic words concluding with a silent “e” represent a significant subset of the English lexicon. These words, such as “invite” (verb), “candle” (noun), and “fragile” (adjective), follow a pattern where the final “e” is not pronounced but often influences the pronunciation of the preceding vowel, typically creating a long vowel sound. Examples abound in common vocabulary, showcasing the prevalence of this orthographic feature.
Understanding this pattern is crucial for accurate pronunciation and spelling. The silent “e” functions as a marker, signaling the correct vowel sound in the stressed syllable. Historically, the “e” often represented a vowel sound that later became silent through linguistic evolution. Recognizing this silent “e” contributes to efficient decoding skills for reading and aids in the development of accurate spelling habits. This knowledge provides a foundation for more advanced language study, including morphology and etymology.