In English, an –S is added to nouns to make them plurals and possessives.

We add -S to verbs to change the tense. This creates a final consonant blend.

The pronunciation of the suffix –S changes depending on the sound that

precedes it. There are three possible pronunciations for a final –S suffix

when added to a noun or verb: IZ , S, or Z.

IZ is used after a strident, or hissing, sound where the air moves

continuously out of the mouth. Strident sounds include: S, SH, Z, CH, J,

and ZH. Spelling helps you to remember to pronounce the IZ since English

spelling rules add an ES after letters that have a strident sound.

S is used after a voiceless sound. This makes sense since the S sound is also

voiceless. Voiceless sounds include: P, T, K, F, and TH.

Z is used after a vowel or voiced sound. This makes sense since the Z sound

is also voiced. Voiced sounds include: all vowels, M, N, L, B, D, G, V, TH,

and R.

Refer to the chart below for examples.