Universal Rule: _Monosyllables_ in which, a single vowel is followed by
a single consonant (except _v_ and _h_ never doubled) _double the final
consonant_ when a single syllable beginning with a vowel is added,
and _all words_ so ending double the final consonant on the addition of
a syllable beginning with a vowel _if the syllable containing the single
vowel_ followed by a single consonant _is to be accented_.
Thus we have _can---canning, run---running, fun---funny, flat---flattish_;
and also _sin---sinned_ (for the _ed_ is counted a syllable though not
pronounced as such nowadays); _preferred,_ but _preference,_ since the
accent is thrown back from the syllable containing the single vowel
followed by a single consonant in the word _preference,_ though not in
_preferred_; and of course the vowel is not doubled in _murmured, wondered,
covered,_ etc.
If, however, the accented syllable is followed by two or more syllables,
the tendency of accent is to shorten the vowel. Thus we have
_grammat'ical,_ etc., in which the short vowel in the accented syllable
is followed by a single consonant not doubled.
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