Other Patterns 4 words

sion voiced

Rule Core

The 46 sion voiced rule explains when -sion / -sure / -sual are pronounced /ʒ/, a voiced fricative. This typically occurs after vowels or voiced consonants due to historical voicing assimilation.

Articulation Guide

Tongue approaches the post‑alveolar area without touching; lips relaxed and slightly rounded; vocal cords vibrate with steady airflow—no stop release.

Word Analysis

  • casual /ˈkæʒuəl/: -sual → /ʒu/.
  • casualty /ˈkæʒuəlti/: maintains the /ʒ/ from casual.
  • leisurely /ˈlɛʒərli/: -sure → /ʒər/, parallel to pleasure.

Pitfalls

Not every -sion is voiced; mission uses /ʃ/. Check the preceding sound and morphology.

Phonics Breakdown

Post‑alveolar tongue, continuous airflow, voiced

Sound Reference

  • Check the preceding sound for voicing
  • Anchor with pleasure/measure as models

Common Mistakes

Devoicing /ʒ/ to /ʃ/
Applying /ʃən/ to all -sion

Example Words