The simple present – Part 2

Back to: It’s my job

In English, an -s at the end of a word is always pronounced. Depending on the sound that precedes it, pronounce the final -s as one of the three sounds below.

Pronouncing –(e)s endings on plural nouns and third-person-singular verbs in the simple present
/z/ /s/ /iz/
Verbs and nouns that end in a voiced sound, including all vowel sounds Verbs and nouns that end in a voiceless sound, including –f, –k, –p, –s,
–x, –t		 Verbs and nouns that end in –ch, –dge, –ge, –se, –sh, –ss, –x, –z
rubs, bags, swims, halves, keys laughs, works, stops, wants watches, judges, pages, faxes
  1. Question 1 of 2
    1. Question

    Listen to the pronunciation of each word. Choose the sound of the final –s (/s/, /z/ or /iz/).

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      1. challenges
      2. employees
      3. gratuities
      4. guests
      5. performances
      6. qualities
      7. skills
      8. shifts
      9. tips
      10. workplaces