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Remember - This is when we do need to double: |
| The second vowel is like an invader. He is trying to attack the short vowel and make it change its ways. If he can get near enough, he will make it say its long sound. |  |
Here, there is a strong wall of two consonants. This will protect the short vowel from attack. The invader can't get close, so the first vowel can carry on as before. |
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The invader only attacks short vowels! |
| The long vowels are safe - by making a long sound,they are already doing what he wants, so there is no need to attack! |  |
Also, any time there are two vowels together he will not bother to attack, whatever the sound. Think of it as 'safety in numbers' - he wouldn't dare to attack when he is outnumbered! |
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Some more examples:
| sailing | hooter | deepest | groaned | header | shouting | boiler |
...and never double w :
| showing | fewest | drawer |
Now try these. Again, they are a mixture; you will need a double consonant
in some words.
Ask yourself:
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