How to Pronounce a Plural Noun

A plural noun refers to more than one thing, such as kids, games, etc. Most plural nouns use the ending –s, though some use the ending –es, for example, buses, sandwiches, etc.

A. How do we know which nouns take which endings? To do that, we have to focus on its pronunciation and spelling. Most plural noun use the ending –s. however the pronunciation of –s is not

always /s/. we pronounce /s/ when the end of the word is voiceless /f, k,p,t, θ/ for example, baths /bæѲs/. When the end of the word is voiced /b, d, g, l, m, n, ŋ, ð/ for example, games /geImz/.

B. How to remember which consonants are voiced or voiceless? Place your hand on your throat. If a consonant is voice, you will feel the

vibration of your voiced. If a consonant is voiceless, you will feel no vibration.C. Noun ended in vowel sound

Vowel sounds are voiced so a plural ending after a vowel sound is pronounced /z/. for example parties /’pαrtiz/.

D. Spelling and pronunciation note 1The plural form of nouns that end in consonant –y is changed into –i and adding –es. It doesn’t add another syllable.Baby (2 syllables) => babies /’beIbiz/ (2 syllables)

E. Spelling and pronunciation note 2Sometimes the form of plural nouns ended with –o and added by –es doen’t add another syllable.Potato 3 syllables) => potatoes /pә’teItouz/.

F. The plural ending –esAdd –es to nouns ending in s, z, ch, sh, and x.

Bus=> busesWish=> wishes

Watch=> watchesFox => foxes

G. The pronunciation of –esThe plural ending –es adds another syllable.Sandwich (2) + -es => sandwiches (3)Kiss (1) + -es => kisses (2)

H. Spelling and pronunciation note 3For nouns that end in a silent e, the form of plural noun is added by an –s. this adds another syllable if the final sound before –s is /s, z, ƒ, З, tƒ, dз/Place /pleIs/ => places /pleIsIz/ (2 syllables)Plate /pleIt/ => plates /pleIts/ (1 syllable)

I. ExerciseWhich one is correct pronunciation of

1. boys

a. /boIz/ => correct

b. /boIs/c. /boIziz/

2. States

a. /steItz/b. /steIts/ => correctc. /steItIz/

3. Girls

a. /gәlz/ => correctb. /gәls/c. /gәlIz/

4. Granddaughtersa. /græn,dotәz/b. /græn,dotәs/c. /græn,dotәIz/