What is the term for the part of a syllable that comes before the vowel?

The correct term for the part of a syllable that comes before the vowel is the onset. In syllable structure, the onset consists of the initial consonant sound or sounds of a syllable. For example, in the word "cat," the 'c' is the onset, and in "splendid," the 'spl' is the onset of that syllable.

Understanding syllable structure is crucial because it helps in phonics instruction and improves reading and spelling skills. Recognizing the onset can assist students in decoding words, allowing them to break down unfamiliar words into manageable parts. In contrast, the nucleus refers to the vowel sound within the syllable, the rhyme includes both the nucleus and coda (the consonants following the vowel), and the coda is specifically the part that comes after the vowel. Each of these components plays a role in phonological awareness, but the onset specifically describes the preceding consonants.