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by RedJohn on March 10th, 2006
Everyone seems to have forgotten that the vowels in the English language are 'a', 'e', 'i', 'o', 'u', and *sometimes* 'y'. That was the English grammar I was taught in school.
A vowel is formed of an unstopped sound. 'Y' in 'yellow' is a stopped sound and is a consonant. A couple of answers used the words 'why' and 'rythms' as examples. In both these cases the 'y' is unstopped and, therefore, a vowel. Abbreviations, such as 'TV' are not words.
by Alatea on March 10th, 2006
"Rhythms" is the longest English word without the "normal" vowels, a, e, i, o, or u.
by lynnenorth on February 14th, 2006
TV.
Arguably, also, words like "shhh", "tsk" or "mm-hm".
by BuzbyB on January 17th, 2006
The answer to this question appears to be subject to debate.
If you are referring to the "true" vowels (AEIOU) then various words don't contain a vowel: hymn, rhythm, myth etc.
However some people argue that the "Y" in these words is a "semi-vowel" so these shouldn't count.
For more information:
http://www.grammarmudge.cityslide.com/articles/article/1029289/8966.htm
http://members.aol.com/gulfhigh2/words6.html
by Tacet on August 2nd, 2008
Hmm.
by Caitlyn on October 11th, 2006
"grrrr" is one i guess.
by RJTRIES on March 9th, 2006
Why
by Wynper on October 13th, 2009
Syzgy was the one that came to mind but the sometimes y rule comes in there. My name is Wyn so I was made aware of the sometimes y rule when I was small haha
by Sandman on October 13th, 2009
No.
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