s voicing

Core Rule

S-voicing means the letter s is pronounced /z/ in a voiced environment. When s occurs between voiced sounds or follows a vowel before a voiced consonant, vocal fold vibration carries through.

Articulation Guide

Place the tongue near the alveolar ridge with a narrow groove. Keep airflow smooth and activate voicing; this distinguishes /z/ from voiceless /s/.

Example Analysis

transmit /trænzˈmɪt/: s is flanked by voiced /n/ and /m/, so it becomes /z/. Similar patterns appear in music, easy, desert.

Pitfalls

Do not rely on spelling alone. Stress does not control voicing; phonetic context does.