Orals : Consonant /s/ and /z/ - SS1 English Past Questions and Answers - page 1

The /s/ and /z/ sounds are both produced by forcing air through a small opening between the tongue and upper teeth. The difference between the two sounds is that the /s/ sound is voiceless, meaning that the vocal cords do not vibrate, while the /z/ sound is voiced, meaning that the vocal cords do vibrate. This creates a buzzing or humming sound for the /z/ sound. Examples of words that begin with the /s/ sound include "snake", "soup", and "smile". Examples of words that begin with the /z/ sound include "zebra", "zipper", and "zoo".

The /s/ and /z/ sounds are used in many English words to distinguish between singular and plural forms, or to distinguish between different tenses of verbs. For example, "cat" is singular, while "cats" is plural, and "miss" is present tense, while "missed" is past tense. The /s/ sound is typically used to indicate the plural or the third person singular form of a verb, while the /z/ sound is typically used to indicate possession or contraction. For example, "dogs" is plural, while "dog's" indicates possession, and "it's" is a contraction of "it is".

The /s/ and /z/ sounds can also change the meaning of words when used in certain contexts. For example, "close" with an /s/ sound means near or nearby, while "close" with a /z/ sound means to shut or seal. Similarly, "raise" with an /s/ sound means to lift or elevate, while "raise" with a /z/ sound means to bring up or promote. The correct pronunciation of these sounds can be crucial for clear communication and avoiding misunderstandings.