The pronunciation of the final 'S' in plural words and verbs in the third person depend on the final consonant sound before that 'S'.
1. Sibilant sound /iz/ - is also known as hissing or buzzing sound. Words ending in the /ɪz/ sound:
C: races (sounds like "race - iz")
S: buses
X: boxes
Z: prizes
SS: kisses
CH: watches
SH: dishes
GE: changes
2. Voiced sound /z/ - If the last letter of the words ends in a voiced consonant, then the S is pronounced like a Z /z/. This Z sound is similar to the sound a bee makes zzzz. Examples of words ending in the /z/ sound:
B: crabs (sounds like crab - z)
D: cards, words
G: rugs, bags
L: deals
M: dreams
N: fans
NG: sings
R: wears
V: gloves
3. Voiceless sound /S/ - If the last consonant of the word is voiceless, then the S is pronounced as /s/. Examples of words ending in the /s/ sound:
P: sleeps
T: hats (sounds like hat - s)
K: books
F: cliffs
TH: myths (voiceless th)
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