I am trying to figure out if Fact has a long a vowel sound? If I look in the dictionary how do I tell it a word has a long vowel sound

No, FACT does not have a long a sound. Dictionaries usually have a pronunciation key showing the markings for different vowel sounds in familiar words.

In this online dictionary, you can hear the word spoken. Also, the key to the various markings is shown after you click the ? after the word.

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/fact?s=t

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To determine if the word "Fact" has a long vowel sound, you can consult a dictionary that provides pronunciation information. Most dictionaries use a system called the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) to indicate how words are pronounced. In the case of vowel sounds, a "long" vowel is typically represented with a symbol called a "macron" (ː) placed above the vowel.

Here are the steps to find out if "Fact" has a long vowel sound in a dictionary:

1. Look up the word "Fact" in a reliable dictionary that includes pronunciation information. Online dictionaries like Merriam-Webster or Oxford English Dictionary are good options.

2. Locate the pronunciation guide or key provided by the dictionary. It is usually found at the beginning or the end of the dictionary.

3. Find the pronunciation transcription for the word "Fact" in the dictionary. It may be represented in either IPA symbols or a simplified version of them.

4. Look for any symbols or diacritics above or after the vowel representation in the pronunciation transcription. A macron (ː) placed above the vowel (a) would indicate a long vowel sound; for example, /feɪkt/ or /t/ for "Fact."

If a dictionary does not provide IPA transcription or pronunciation symbols, it may offer other phonetic representations, such as accent marks or distinguishing marks to indicate long vowels. In such cases, the pronunciation key should explain how long vowels are represented.

Remember that this approach applies to English dictionaries and determining the pronunciation of specific words. Keep in mind that English is a complex language with many exceptions, so some words may not follow the usual pronunciation rules.