Voiced and Unvoiced Endings for Plurals and Third-Person Singular Verbs

When s is added in the end of a word for making plurals or third-person singular verbs, then the rules for pronunciation are:

• Rule 1: If the sound before the added -s is voiceless, then added s, that is, /s/ sound will remain voiceless /s/.
• Rule 2: If the sound before the added -s is voiced, the ending /s/ sound will match and become voiced, that is, it will change into its voiced pair /z/ sound.
• Rule 3: If ending sounds before the added -es are /s/ or /dʒ/, then /s/ sound will be pronounced as /iz/.

Rule 1 Examples: breaks, rants, jumps, hates, kicks, skips, gallops, fits, helps, beats, packs, hits, picks.

Rule 2 Examples: brags (bragz), reads (readz), hangs (hangz), beds (bedz), heads (hedz), figs (figz)

Rule 3 Examples: Fridges (iz), races (iz), fixes (iz), pieces (iz), bridges (iz).

Practice Sentences

• The cat jumps(s), the dog barks(s), and the bird sings(z) as the day passes(iz).
• He reads(z) books(s), writes(s) essays(z), explains(z) ideas(z), and shares(z> his thoughts(s).
• She skips(s), claps(s), laughs(s), and dances(iz) at the party.
• The teacher explains(z), demonstrates(s), questions(z), and grades(z) the students’(s) work.
• The wind blows(z), the tree sways(z), the leaf falls(z), and the air whistles(z).
• Tom gives(z), receives(z), shares(z), and discusses(iz) advice with his friends(z).
• The clock ticks(s), the candle burns(z), the rain drips(s), and the night passes(iz).
• The boy rides(z) bikes(s), plays(z) games(z), throws(z) balls(z), and wins(z) prizes(iz).
• The chef cooks(s) dishes(iz), tastes sauces(iz), serves(z) meals(z), and cleans(z) pots(s).
• She brings(z) gifts(s), shares(z) stories(z), leaves(z) messages(iz), and expresses(iz) her gratitude.
• The artist draws(z) lines(z), paints shapes, mixes(iz) colors(s), and creates(s) masterpieces(iz).
• The runner sprints, jumps, stumbles(z), and crosses(iz) the finish line.

For additional practice, write down examples for the three rules we discussed and share them in the comments section below. Take some time to read and learn from the examples shared by others as well.

Remember, improving pronunciation starts with reading phonetically. It’s essential to focus on the sounds first rather than jumping straight into speaking.

Now, pick up a book and apply the three rules we've learned. Practice reading aloud, paying attention to the sounds as you go. Consistent practice will make a significant difference!