More examples: <i>ai</i> words - set 1

In English spelling, the letter combination <i>ai</i> often represents the long <i>/a/</i> sound. This is a common spelling pattern found in words such as <i>rain</i>, <i>train</i>, or <i>paint</i>. It is different from the short <i>/a/</i> sound found in words like <i>cat</i> or <i>hat</i>. <br><br>Words that might look similar sound totally different depending on whether they have a short <i>/a/</i> sound or a long <i>/a/</i> sound, for example <i>am</i> and <i>aim</i> or <i>clam</i> and <i>claim</i>. <br><br> As there are six different ways of spelling the long <i>/a/</i> sound, it is important to learn to identify and remember words that use the <i>ai</i> spelling. Have a go at the spelling activities and games – you’ll be confident in no time!

aid	The vet came to the dog's aid just in time.
aim	Tom's aim is to score 10 goals this season.
paid	He paid the fare for the train journey. *
fail	You never fail to amaze me!
mail	The postman delivered the mail. *
sail	What time does the ferry set sail?
tail	Dad tripped over the dog's tail. *
snail	The snail left a trail on the path.
claim	Call this number to claim your prize.
main	We don't want to live near the main road.
pain	I have a slight pain in my neck.
chain	There was a broken link in the chain.
plain	The chocolate cake is nicer than the plain cake. *
stain	His blood made a dark red stain on the carpet.
strain	I have been under a lot of strain. *
wait	How much longer do we have to wait?
gait	The sports therapist studied my gait.
paint	I like to use different colours when I paint. *
faint	His voice was very faint.
waist	My skirt is tight around my waist.