LoE "save" and "have"

[mom2three]

In LoE, how to they explain why "a" is long in "save" and short in "have"? These words both end in v, so shouldn't they both use the short sound?

 

My son just asked me this, and I am confused.

 

Thank you.

[Aiden]

LOE Foundations teaches that there are two primary reasons for a final silent "e":

 

(1) to make a vowel say its long sound and

(2) because English words don't end in V, U, ... and some other letters that I forgot but my 5yo could tell you :p

 

So, in the word "save," the final silent "e" serves both purposes. In the word "have," it doesn't make the "a" say its long sound, but it's still needed so that the word doesn't end in "v."

[mom2three]

I see. Thank you.