The -S Ending Pronunciation Rule: /s/, /z/, or /ɪz/ Based on the Final Consonant

The -S ending pronunciation depends on the sound at the end of the base word. There are three distinct rules to follow.

Rule 1: The /s/ Sound

Use /s/ when the word ends in voiceless consonants (p, k, f, t, ch, th).

Rule 2: The /z/ Sound

Use /z/ when the word ends in vowels, voiced consonants, or certain sounds.

Rule 3: The /ɪz/ Sound

Use /ɪz/ when the word ends in S, Z, X, CH, or SH sounds. This adds a syllable.