Plural -S (/z/ sound)
After a buzzing sound or a vowel, the plural ending says /z/ — like 'dogs' and 'shoes'.
How this rule works
Put a finger on your throat and say 'zzzz' — you feel a buzz. When the word ends in a buzzing (voiced) sound or a vowel, the plural ending buzzes too and says /z/. This happens whether the word is spelled -s (dogs) or -es (shoes, trees), because in shoes the e is silent and only the s is sounded. Most people never notice they are doing this.
Examples
Words that use this rule
345 words in the SnapPhonics dictionary use this rule. Tap any word to see how it breaks into sounds. Showing the first 200 alphabetically.
Exceptions
Three plural sounds: /s/ after quiet sounds, /z/ after buzzing sounds, /ɪz/ after s, z, sh, ch, x.
What is SnapPhonics?
A phonics reference for teachers, parents and learners. Every English word, broken into the sounds that make it — with audio, syllables, and the rule behind each spelling.
Save words to study lists, build flashcard decks, and scan your own worksheets and books.