What type of syllable is exemplified in "dollar"?

Prepare for the ALTA Alliance Exam with flashcards and multiple-choice questions. Gain insights into each question with helpful hints and explanations. Get ready to ace your exam!

The word "dollar" exemplifies a vowel-r syllable. A vowel-r syllable occurs when a vowel is followed by the letter "r," which changes the way the vowel is pronounced. In "dollar," the "o" is followed by an "l" and an "a," but the second syllable “lar” contains an “r” that affects the pronunciation of the preceding vowel, making it a vowel-r syllable. This type of syllable typically features a vowel that is neither fully long nor fully short, as the presence of “r” alters its quality.

In contrast, a closed syllable is characterized by a vowel followed by one or more consonants, closing the syllable and often resulting in a short vowel sound. An open syllable ends in a vowel, allowing for a long vowel sound, while a final stable syllable, often involving a consonant plus "le," appears at the end of words and does not change the preceding vowel's quality in the same way the vowel-r syllable does. The structure of "dollar" does not fit these definitions, solidifying vowel-r as the most accurate classification for this word.

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