Noun phrases Exercise pronunciation s or z

All of the nouns in the following list form their plural in the regular way with a single sibilant sound
spelled -s. Depending on the nature of the final sound in the singular form of the noun, the -s can be
pronounced either /s/ or /z/. Write the entire plural form of the noun in the /s/ or/z/ column that shows the
pronunciation of the plural -s. (Hint: Say the words out loud. If you whisper or say them to yourself,
voiced sounds will be automatically de-voiced so they will sound the same as voiceless sounds.)
Singular form /s/ /z/
flame flames
1. three
2. trick
3. stool
4. history
5. wall
6. rake
7. play
8. stove
9. cough
10. moth
11. day
12. note
13. delay
14. hike
15. tire
16. rain
17. plate
18. grove
19. show
20. pipe
ANSWER
1. threes /z/ 2. tricks /s/ 3. stools /z/ 4. histories /z/ 5. walls /z/ 6. rakes /s/ 7. plays
/z/ 8. stoves /z/ 9. coughs /s/ 10. moths /s/ 11. days /z/ 12. notes /s/ 13. delays
/z/ 14. hikes /s/ 15. tires /z/ 16. rains /z/ 17. plates /s/ 18. groves /z/ 19. shows /z/
20. pipes /s/