Pronunciation
of Final -s
The following table explains the different ways of pronouncing the final –s that appears in a multitude of words, ranging from plural and possessive nouns, to the third person singular of verbs as well as some possessive pronouns.
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[s] |
[z] |
[iz] |
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If the final sound in a word is a voiceless consonant (f, k, p, t): ·
the final -s is pronounced as [s]; ·
the final -s is NOT pronounced as an extra
syllable! |
If the final sound in a word is a voiced
consonant (b, d, g, j, l, m, n, r, v, w, y) or a vowel (a, e, i, o, u): ·
the final -s is pronounced as [z]; ·
the final -s is NOT pronounced as an extra
syllable! |
If the final sound in a word is ch,
s, sh, dj, x, or z: ·
the final -s is pronounced as [iz]; ·
the final -s is pronounced as an extra syllable! |
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Practice:
Read the following list of words and place each word under the correct
heading. N.B. Pay special attention
to the final sound before the –s is added on. TOTAL = ____ / 30 |
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hers James’s rolls faces witches’ cassettes Rachel’s teaches carries parents’ |
tapes needs shows pucks yours plants disciminates boys radios Mack’s |
lights loses buzzes spices theirs men’s picks MCs slaves cases |
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[s] |
[z] |
[iz] |
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Pronunciation
of Final –s: ANSWERS
|
[s] |
[z] |
[iz] |
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cassettes parents’ tapes pucks plants discriminates Mack’s lights |
hers rolls Rachel’s Carries Needs Shows Yours Boys Radios Theirs Men’s MCs slaves |
James’s Faces Witches’ teaches loses buzzes spices cases |