Here's why:
* Syllables are the building blocks of words. They represent a single, distinct sound unit.
* Vowel sounds are the core of a syllable. They are the sounds that allow air to flow freely from the mouth, making them the most audible part of a syllable.
* Consonants are often attached to vowels. They create a sound that is often shorter and less prominent than vowels.
Examples:
* cat - has one syllable (cat) with a vowel sound "a"
* happy - has two syllables (hap-py) with vowel sounds "a" and "i"
* struggle - has two syllables (strug-gle) with vowel sounds "u" and "e"
Exceptions:
There are a few exceptions to this rule, such as:
* "Schwa" sound: In some words, the vowel sound might be a very short and reduced sound, sometimes called a "schwa" (like the "uh" sound in "about").
* Silent vowels: Some vowels in words might be silent, meaning they are not pronounced. However, they still contribute to the syllable count.
In summary, a syllable needs a vowel sound to be considered a syllable.