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Plural -S Endings: /s/, /z/, /ɪz/

Pronounce plural -s correctly based on the final sound: /s/, /z/, or /ɪz/.

beginner

When to Use Plural -S Endings: /s/, /z/, /ɪz/

  • •When you add -s/-es for plural nouns (cats, dogs, watches).
  • •When you want your speech to be easier to understand, especially with final consonants.
  • •When spelling suggests -es but pronunciation rules still depend on the final sound.

How to Form Plural -S Endings: /s/, /z/, /ɪz/

Affirmative (+)

After a voiceless sound (p, t, k, f, θ) → /s/. After a voiced sound (b, d, g, v, ð, m, n, ŋ, l, r, vowels) → /z/.

Negative (-)

Do not pronounce an extra syllable unless the word ends in a sibilant sound.

Question (?)

Does the base word end in a sibilant sound (s, z, ʃ, ʒ, tʃ, dʒ)? If yes, add /ɪz/.

💡 The spelling can be -s or -es, but pronunciation depends on the final SOUND, not the final letter. British vs US note: these plural endings (/s/, /z/, /ɪz/) work the same in both varieties; differences you may hear usually come from the base word’s vowel/consonant pronunciation, not the plural rule.

Examples of Plural -S Endings: /s/, /z/, /ɪz/

✓cats = /kæts/ (ends with /t/ → /s/)

✗cats = /kætz/

After voiceless /t/, the ending is voiceless /s/.

✓dogs = /dɒɡz/ (ends with /ɡ/ → /z/)

✗dogs = /dɒɡs/

After voiced /ɡ/, the ending is voiced /z/.

✓watches = /ˈwɒtʃɪz/ (ends with /tʃ/ → /ɪz/)

✗watches = /ˈwɒtʃs/

Sibilant endings require an extra syllable /ɪz/.

Common Mistakes with Plural -S Endings: /s/, /z/, /ɪz/

💡 Practice Tips for Plural -S Endings: /s/, /z/, /ɪz/

  • • Touch your throat: if it vibrates on the final sound, it is voiced → /z/.
  • • Group practice words by ending sound: /t/ cats, /g/ dogs, /tʃ/ watches.
  • • Say the singular first, then add the plural ending smoothly.
Quick Quiz
  1. 1.How is the plural -s in 'cats' pronounced? 
  2. 2.How is the plural -s in 'dogs' pronounced? 
  3. 3.How is the plural -es in 'watches' pronounced? 
  4. 4.Which word's plural takes the /ɪz/ ending? 
  5. Question 5: After voiceless sounds like /p/, /t/, /k/, the plural is pronounced blank.
    5.After voiceless sounds like /p/, /t/, /k/, the plural is pronounced .
  6. Question 6: After voiced sounds and vowels, the plural is pronounced blank.
    6.After voiced sounds and vowels, the plural is pronounced .
  7. 7.Which is a common mistake with plural endings? 
  8. 8.Which group of plurals all take the /z/ ending? 
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