Plural of nouns

Plural of nouns /s/ /z/ /iz/

Voiced consonant – vocal cords vibrate /z/

Unvoiced consonant – vocal cords don’t vibrate /s/

Rule 1: If the singular form of the noun ends in a voiced consonant, then the plural will have the voiced /z/.  Take ‘BIN’.  The /n/ sound is voiced so BINS has the /z/ ending.  If the noun ends in a vowel sound then it will also take the /z/ ending.  This is because vowel sounds are voiced.  EYE – EYES /z/

Rule 2: If the singular form of the noun ends in an unvoiced consonant, then the plural will have the unvoiced /s/.  BOOK  - the /k/ sound is unvoiced.  So, BOOKS has the /s/ ending.

Rule 3:  If the noun ends in a sibilant then add /iz/ sound.  Sibilant - /s/ /z/ /sh/ /tch/ /dʒ/ /ʒ/ /tʃ/

Voiced consonant + /z/ vowel sound + /z/ - bins, bags, peas, boys

Unvoiced consonant + /s/ books, bats, lights

Sibilant + /iz/ watches, kisses, wishes, messages