GRAMMAR NO. 3: Pronunciation of -es/-s suffix (plural, Saxon Genitive, 3rd Per. Sing. Simple Present)

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
B. [t] ⇒ hats
C. [k] ⇒ cooks
D. [f] ⇒ cliffs
E. [θ] ⇒ myths

II. The plural is pronounced [Z] after the following VOICED sounds:
A. [b] ⇒ crabs
B. [d] ⇒ cards
C. [g] ⇒ rugs
D. [v] ⇒ gloves
E. [m] ⇒ plums
F. [n] ⇒ fans
G. [ŋ] ⇒ kings
H. [l ] ⇒ deals
I. [r] ⇒ tears
J. [ð] ⇒ clothes

III. The plural is pronounced [IZ] after the following sounds:
A. [s] ⇒ races
B. [z] ⇒ pauses
C. [ʃ ] ⇒ dishes
D. [ʒ ] ⇒ garages
E. [ʧ ] ⇒ churches
F. [ʤ ] ⇒ ages, judges

How would you read the following words?

James's car

The sisters' house

The sister's house

Solution: 

dʒemzəz kɑr 

ðə sɪstərz haus

ðə sɪstərz haus

IRREGULAR PLURALS

a) Some nouns do not take a final suffix to make up the plural form: sheep, deer, and fish.

One sheep, two sheep

One deer, two deer

One fish, two fish

b) Other noun change the stem and take irregular suffixes: dice, mice, children, foxen, oxen, feet and teeth are some of the most common ones.

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






PRACTICE

1. Practice the spelling here

2. Practice the spelling of compound nouns here

3. Practice the pronunciation of the plural here