Pronouncing -ed Endings
/t/, /d/ or /id/ depending on the last sound.
Examples
- worked /t/
- played /d/
- wanted /ɪd/
Key rules
- The -ed ending is pronounced /t/ after voiceless sounds such as /p/, /k/, /s/
- It is pronounced /d/ after voiced sounds such as /b/, /g/, /v/ and vowels
- It is pronounced /ɪd/ after /t/ or /d/
Common mistakes
- worked is pronounced /wɜːkɪd/ → Say /wɜːkt/
- wanted is pronounced /wɒntəd/ → Say /ˈwɒntɪd/
Use cases
- Past tense verbs in speech
- Reading aloud
- Listening exercises
💡 Tip: Look at the last sound before the ending, not the spelling of the verb.