x says gz

Core Rule

The x → /gz/ rule appears when x occurs after a vowel and before a stressed vowel or syllable. Phonetically, it represents a voiced cluster /g/ + /z/ rather than /ks/, as in examinee.

Articulation Guide

Produce /g/ with the back of the tongue contacting the soft palate, release briefly, then transition directly into /z/ with the tongue near the alveolar ridge and continuous voicing. Airflow is smooth and connected.

Example Analysis

examinee /ɪɡˌzæmɪˈniː/: the x links two vowels and introduces stress, triggering the /gz/ realization. Other examples include exact, exist, executive.

Pitfall Alert

Avoid defaulting to /ks/ for every x; stress and vowel context are decisive.