Plural Endings on Words are Pronounced Three Ways

Last week we talked about how –ed endings are pronounced differently depending on the final consonant of the word receiving the ed ending.  Similarly, we pronounce the plural ending differently when we add an /s/ ending.  It all comes down to the last letter of the word we are adding an /s/ to.  We will pronounce the /s/ ending as an /s/, /z/ or /ez/.  We know which plural ending to use based on the last sound of the word that will be pluralized. 

If the word ends in a voiced consonant, we add the voiced /z/ to the word.  If the word ends in a voiceless sound, we add /s/ which is also voiceless.  The voiceless sounds that this rule applies to include: /p, t, k, f, th/ sound.  If the ending of the word is a /s/, /z/, /sh/ or /ch/, we add /ez/ to the ending.  Here are some examples:

First of all, here are some examples where we pronounce the /s/ ending because the word ends in a voiceless consonant:

Cats, books, caps 
They are all pronounced with an /s/.

Here are some examples where we pronounce the /s/ ending as a /z/ because the word ends in a voiced consonant:

Dogs, drums, dads

Now listen to these voiced and voiceless contrasts:
Baths vs. bathes
Loafs vs. loaves
Laps vs. labs

Can you hear how this voicing distinction changes word meaning?

Now, If the word ends in a sh, ch, s or z, and a plural is added, the ending is pronounced  /ez/.  Listen carefully:

Churches, kisses, dishes, Liz’s 

Finally, unrelated to this plural rule, there are some words that are spelled with an /s/ at the end but pronounced as a /z/ as in the words: “is”, “was” “because.”  Many non-native speakers pronounce these words with an /s/ when it should be a /z/.  Listen carefully to all of these words.