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Consonant
S
The S sound is a voiceless alveolar fricative. It is made by forcing air through a narrow channel formed by the tip of the tongue and the alveolar ridge.
Phonetic
sVoicing
VoicelessPlace of Articulation
AlveolarManner of Articulation
FricativeMouth Position
Bring the tip or blade of your tongue close to the alveolar ridge (the bumpy part behind your upper front teeth), but don't touch it. Create a narrow groove in the center of your tongue. Force air through this channel. Your vocal cords should not vibrate.
How to Make This Sound
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Example Words
seeMain Example
/si/say
/seɪ/sun
/sʌn/this
/ðɪs/house
/haʊs/pass
/pæs/city
/ˈsɪti/Pronunciation Practice
8 words
Speak the words aloud to get instant feedback on your pronunciation
Quick Practice
3-5 essential words
Full Practice
All 8 words
Minimal Pairs
Listen and compare similar sounds
s
sip
/sɪp/Compare with
S
zip
/zɪp/s
bus
/bʌs/Compare with
B
buzz
/bʌz/s
sing
/sɪŋ/Compare with
S
thing
/θɪŋ/s
sink
/sɪŋk/Compare with
S
think
/θɪŋk/Tongue Twister
Practice: Consonant
“She sells seashells by the seashore.”
Practice this tongue twister to improve your pronunciation