voiceless s

Core Rule

The voiceless s sound /s/ occurs when the letter s is pronounced without vocal cord vibration. It commonly appears at the beginning, middle, or end of words, especially when not surrounded by voiced sounds.

Articulation Guide

Place the tongue close to the alveolar ridge without touching it. Keep lips slightly open and push steady air forward. The vocal cords remain inactive.

Word Analysis

• bus /bʌs/: final single s keeps the /s/ sound.
• glasses /ˈɡlæsɪz/: double ss = /s/; plural -es adds /ɪz/.
• mess /mes/: ss signals a short vowel and stays /s/.

Pitfalls

Do not confuse /s/ with /z/. When s is between vowels or follows voiced sounds, it may shift to /z/.