Final answer:
In English phonetics, the long /ō/ sound in the middle of a syllable is commonly indicated by a double vowel or a vowel followed by a consonant and an e. The o sound is long when ll is at the end of a stem, as in 'enrolled', and short when ll is in the middle, as in 'following'.
Step-by-step explanation:
The spelling that denotes a long /ō/ sound in the middle of a syllable is generally represented by a double vowel or a vowel-consonant-e pattern. When an o is followed by double ls at the end of a free stem, it usually spells a long sound, as seen in the word enrolled with a long /ō/. However, if the ll occurs in the middle of a free stem, the preceding o will typically indicate a short sound, as in the word following, which has a short /o/. An example of these patterns can be noted with words that contain the spelling oll. In some cases, you will hear a short o as in doll, but in other instances, such as in scroll, a long o is present.
It is important to pay attention to the position of the ll within the word to determine the pronunciation of the preceding vowel. Additionally, context and word familiarity are critical for correct pronunciation, as English does not always follow strict phonetic patterns.