The basic pattern of English pronunciation

Most words in English are pronounced according to the table below.

The first column has a short sound, the second, a long one:

at (short) ate (long)
let delete
bit bite
not note
cut cute

This table will help you to pronounce around 85% of English words correctly.

A famous exception is ever/even.

Challenge: Why do you think the final p of stop must be doubled before the -ing form?
stop > stopping