Here's why:
* Syllables require a vowel sound: The core of a syllable is a vowel sound. Vowels are the sounds we make with our mouths open, allowing air to flow freely. Consonants, on the other hand, involve some obstruction of airflow.
* Consonants are "modifiers": Consonants often modify the vowel sound within a syllable, but they don't stand alone.
Example:
* "Cat" has one syllable: "cat." The vowel sound "a" is the core, and the consonants "c" and "t" modify it.
* "M" is not a syllable. It's a single consonant sound.
Some exceptions:
* Onomatopoeia: Words like "shh" or "pop" might be considered syllables in certain contexts, even though they consist of a single consonant sound. These are specific cases where the sound itself is the meaning.
* Reduced syllables: In spoken language, syllables can sometimes be reduced, especially in unstressed positions. For example, "the" might sound like a single consonant "th" sound, but technically, it still has a vowel sound present.