Here's why:
* Short vowel sounds are typically found in closed syllables (a syllable ending in a consonant). The vowel sound is short and quick.
* "Brag" has a long vowel sound, represented by the "a" with a bar over it (ā). This indicates a longer, drawn-out sound.
Think of words like "cat," "dog," and "bug." These all have short vowel sounds. The "a" in "brag" is closer to the "a" in "bay" or "bake."