Pronunciation of S in English: How to Pronounce /s/ and /z/ Sounds Correctly

What Is the Pronunciation of S in English?

To begin learning the pronunciation of S, it is important to know that S does not always sound the same. In English, S is most commonly pronounced as /s/ or /z/, and in some cases as /ʃ/ or /ʒ/.

Understanding these variations helps learners pronounce words clearly and correctly.

The /s/ Sound in the Pronunciation of S

The /s/ sound is the most common form of the pronunciation of S. It is a voiceless sound, meaning the vocal cords do not vibrate.

To produce this sound, the tongue is placed close to the upper teeth, and air flows out smoothly.

Examples:

• sun

• see

• stop

• class

The /z/ Sound in the Pronunciation of S

Another important form of the pronunciation of S is the /z/ sound. This is a voiced sound, meaning the vocal cords vibrate when the sound is made.

The mouth position is similar to /s/, but the voice is active.

Examples:

• rose

• music

• has

• dogs

Pronunciation of S at the Beginning of Words

When S appears at the beginning of a word, the pronunciation of S is usually /s/. This is a clear and strong sound that learners often find easy.

Examples:

• sit

• school

• snow

In some words, S may combine with other consonants, but the sound remains /s/.

Pronunciation of S in the Middle of Words

In the middle of words, the pronunciation of S may change depending on the surrounding letters. It can sound like /s/ or /z/.

Examples with /s/:

• basic

• lesson

Examples with /z/:

• reason

• easy

Listening carefully helps learners recognize the difference.

Pronunciation of S at the End of Words

At the end of words, the pronunciation of S plays an important grammatical role. It often marks plural nouns or third-person singular verbs.

The final S can be pronounced in three main ways:

• /s/ as in cats

• /z/ as in dogs

• /ɪz/ as in buses

Learning these rules improves both pronunciation and grammar accuracy.

Special Pronunciations of S: /ʃ/ and /ʒ/

In some words, the pronunciation of S changes to /ʃ/ or /ʒ/, especially when combined with certain letters.

Examples of /ʃ/:

• sure

• sugar

Examples of /ʒ/:

• measure

• vision

These sounds often appear in longer or more advanced words.

References: Ellii (formerly ESL Library)

Common Mistakes with the Pronunciation of S

Many learners face similar challenges with the pronunciation of S.

Common mistakes include:

• Confusing /s/ and /z/

• Forgetting to voice the final S

• Adding extra vowel sounds

• Mispronouncing plural endings

Focused practice helps reduce these errors.

Exercises: Practice the Pronunciation of S

Exercise 1: Identify the S Sound

Decide how the S is pronounced.

1. sun

2. dogs

3. music

4. buses

5. easy

6. class

Exercise 2: Choose the Correct Ending Sound

Choose /s/, /z/, or /ɪz/.

1. cats

2. roses

3. books

4. watches

5. pens

Exercise 3: Choose the Correct Word

1. sip / zip

2. see / zoo

3. ice / eyes

4. race / raise

Exercise 4: Read the Words Aloud

1. sun

2. music

3. dogs

4. buses

5. sugar

6. measure

Exercise 5: Read the Sentences Aloud

She sees the sun in the sky.

1. The dogs are playing in the yard.

2. He washes his hands before dinner.

3. Music makes people happy.

4. The teacher raises her voice slightly.

Answer Key

Exercise 1:

1. /s/

2. /z/

3. /z/

4. /ɪz/

5. /z/

6. /s/

Exercise 2:

1. /s/

2. /ɪz/

3. /s/

4. /ɪz/

5. /z/

Improve the Pronunciation of S with Monkey Junior and M-Speak

Mastering the pronunciation of S becomes easier with structured guidance and smart feedback. Monkey Junior offers a clear learning roadmap that helps learners understand how sounds change in real English contexts.

With M-Speak pronunciation scoring technology, learners receive instant feedback on sound accuracy, stress, and clarity. This allows learners to correct mistakes immediately and improve faster.

Monkey Junior also combines native-speaker audio, listening practice, speaking exercises, and interactive lessons. Multiple supporting technologies ensure learners stay motivated and progress step by step with confidence.

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Conclusion

The pronunciation of S in English includes several sounds such as /s/, /z/, and /ɪz/, depending on position and usage. By understanding these patterns and practicing regularly with Monkey Junior and M-Speak technology, learners can speak English more clearly, accurately, and confidently.