GRAMMAR NO. 6: Pronunciation of -es/-s

PLURAL (& 3rd Person Singular & Saxon Genitive) PRONUNCIATION RULES

There are 3 possible pronunciations for the plural suffix -s/-es, whether it be functioning as a plural (cats), 3rd person singular simple present (walks) or Saxon Genitive (Phoebe's):

[S] [Z] [IZ]

I. The plural is pronounced [S] after the following VOICELESS sounds:
A. [p] ⇒ cups D. [f] ⇒ cliff
B. [t] ⇒ hats E. [θ] ⇒ myths
C. [k] ⇒ cooks
II. The plural is pronounced [Z] after the following VOICED sounds:
A. [b] ⇒ crabs F. [n] ⇒ fans
B. [d] ⇒ cards G. [ŋ] ⇒ kings
C. [g] ⇒ rugs H. [l ] ⇒ deals
D. [v] ⇒ gloves I. [r] ⇒ tears
E. [m] ⇒ plums J. [ð] ⇒ clothes
III. The plural is pronounced [IZ] after the following sounds:
A. [s] ⇒ races D. [ʒ ] ⇒ garage
B. [z] ⇒ pauses E. [ʧ ] ⇒ churches
C. [ʃ ] ⇒ dishes F. [ʤ ] ⇒ ages, judges

FURTHER EXPLANATION

Now, click here to read a more complete explanation on the formation of the plural ending that takes into account spelling rules.



LISTEN TO AN EXPLANATION
First, let´s listen to this explanation in a video:

PRACTICE

1. Practice the spelling here

2. Practice the spelling of compound nouns here

3. Practice the pronunciation of the plural here

4. http://www.tolearnenglish.com/exercises/exercise-english-2/exercise-english-2734.php