Pronouncing -s Endings

/s/, /z/, /iz/.

Examples

• cats /s/
• dogs /z/
• boxes /iz/

Key rules

• The -s ending is pronounced /s/ after voiceless sounds such as /p/, /t/, /k/
• It is pronounced /z/ after voiced sounds and vowels
• It is pronounced /ɪz/ after sounds such as /s/, /z/, /ʃ/, /tʃ/ and /dʒ/

Common mistakes

• boxes pronounced /bɒksəs/ → Say /ˈbɒksɪz/
• cats pronounced /kæz/ → Say /kæts/

Use cases

• Plurals and third-person verbs
• Speaking about daily routines
• Reading aloud