voiceless s

Core Rule

The voiceless s refers to the letter s pronounced as /s/ without vocal cord vibration. Phonically, s remains voiceless at word-initial position, at word-final position, or next to other voiceless consonants.

Articulation Guide

Place the tongue tip close to the alveolar ridge without touching it. Keep the teeth slightly apart and lips relaxed. Push air through the narrow gap; the sound is produced by friction only, with no voicing.

Word Analysis

• chaos: From Greek origin; ch is /k/, and final s is a clear /s/.
• classic: c before a is /k/. The medial s, following a voiceless consonant, stays /s/.

Pitfall Alert

Do not confuse /s/ with /z/. When s is between two vowels (e.g., music), it often becomes /z/. Clusters like sp, st, ss strongly favor /s/.