Which part of a syllable includes the vowel and everything following it?

The rime of a syllable is the critical component that encompasses the vowel and all the consonants that follow it. This term is vital in phonetics and phonology because it represents the part of a syllable that typically carries the rhyme. For example, in the word "cat," the onset would be the "c," while the rime consists of the "at," which includes the vowel "a" and the subsequent consonant "t." Recognizing the rime helps in understanding word structures and is essential for developing phonemic awareness, which is crucial in early reading instruction.

Onset, in contrast, specifically refers to the consonant sound(s) that precede the vowel in a syllable, while high frequency words and irregular words do not pertain to syllable structure at all, focusing instead on vocabulary recognition and spelling patterns. Understanding the concept of rime enhances literacy skills, making it easier for students to decode and comprehend new words.