How to pronounce the letters s and z: How and When to Use in English

Quick and simple lesson to help you understand grammar better.
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How to pronounce the letters s and z

The letter z is pronounced like this: .

Amazing

Zone

The letter s can be pronounced in two different ways:

  • s like , normally at the beginning of a word or at the end when it follows a consonant like k, f, t or p.

Sun

Small

Cooks

  • s like , just like the letter z, usually when words or verbs end in a vowel + s or when the letter s follows a consonant like b, d, g, l, r, m, n, z or v.

Easy

Moves

Was

Note: there are a few words that are exceptions, in which the letter s is pronounced as sh .

Sugar

Sure

Tissue

Issue

Exercise 1

Select the correct pronunciation of the word bus.

Bus is pronounced:

Select the correct pronunciation of the word bus.

Bus is pronounced:

Here you heard but , not bus . Example: I want to go to the beach, but I don't have any money.

You heard bush , not bus . Bush ends with the letters ‑sh, which make the same sound as in push and rush . Example: there is a bush next to that tree.

You heard bus , which ends with an ‑s that makes the same sound as in sun and press . Example: I go to work by bus.

Exercise 2

Select the correct pronunciation of the word zinc.

Zinc is pronounced:

Select the correct pronunciation of the word zinc.

Zinc is pronounced:

Here you heard shin , not zinc. Example: I hurt my shin.

Here you heard the word sink , not zinc. Sink starts with the letter s‑ as in stay , while zinc starts with the letter z‑. Example: I clean the sink.

In this clip you heard zinc , which starts with the letter z‑ just like zoom and zombie . Example: zinc is a very reactive metal.

Exercise 3

Listen to the clip, then repeat the word zone out loud. Was it easy or difficult to pronounce?

Listen to the clip, then repeat the word zone out loud. Was it easy or difficult to pronounce?

The word zone starts with the letter z‑, which is pronounced . You can hear the same vibrating sound in words like zero and amazing . Example: this zone is closed to the public.

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