How to pronounce -ed and -s endings in English
The -ed and -s endings each have 3 readings, set by the last sound of the base word, not its last letter. Each round has 10 words spread across the 3 readings, with the rule shown after every question.
How to use it in 3 steps
- Choose the -ed or the -s ending.
- Read the word and choose its reading, by tapping or pressing 1, 2 or 3.
- Read the rule, then go to the next word.
The ending rules
| Last sound of the base | Reading | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| /t/, /d/ | -ed sounds /ɪd/ | wanted, needed |
| Voiceless: /p/, /k/, /f/, /s/, /ʃ/, /tʃ/, /θ/ | -ed sounds /t/ | walked, watched |
| All other sounds | -ed sounds /d/ | played, opened |
| /s/, /z/, /ʃ/, /ʒ/, /tʃ/, /dʒ/ | -s, -es sounds /ɪz/ | buses, watches |
| Voiceless: /p/, /t/, /k/, /f/, /θ/ | -s sounds /s/ | books, cats |
| All other sounds | -s sounds /z/ | dogs, plays |
Frequently asked questions
Why the last sound and not the last letter?
Spelling does not tell you the sound. Laugh ends in the letter h but its last sound is /f/, so laughed ends in /t/.
What is a voiceless sound?
A sound made without vibrating the vocal cords. Put a hand on your throat: /s/ has no buzz, /z/ does.
Are there exceptions?
A few adjectives, like naked and wicked, end in /ɪd/ even though the last sound is /k/. This tool only uses words that follow the rule.