Vowels in unstressed syllables in disyllabic and polysyllabic words usually denote the neutral sound [ə] and short [ı].
1.The letters e, i, y denote the sound [ı]: rocket, bandit, funny.
2.The letters a, o, u denote the sound [ə]: Poland, bottom, cactus.
BUT -age [ı] (message), -ate [ə/ı] (delicate), -ible [ı/ə] (terrible).
3.The letter combinations vowel + the letter r give the neutral [ə]: dollar, dinner, doctor, nature.
4.In the letter combination vowel + vowel + consonant (-ial, -ion, -our, -ous etc.) we pronounce the neutral [ə]: initial, division, labour, generous.
5.In the letter combinations vowel + consonant + consonant (+ consonant/vowel) (-able, -ance, -ent etc.) we pronounce [ə]: capable, attendance, student.
6.In the letter combinations consonant + vowel + consonant (+ vowel) we can pronounce:
a) the neutral [ə]: freedom;
b) the neutral [ə] or short [ı]: careless;
c) the neutral [ə] or short [υ]: awful.
7.The letters o and u in an open syllable and a closed one with the mute e after the stressed syllable have their primary long meanings: sambo [əυ], costume [ju:].