Here's why:
* "Always" has a long "a" sound. The "a" in "always" makes the same sound as the "a" in "say" or "day".
* Short vowels are typically associated with closed syllables. In a closed syllable, the vowel sound is short because it is followed by a consonant. The "a" in "always" is in an open syllable, as it is followed by a vowel.
Therefore, "always" is not a short vowel word.