American English Pronunciation - How to Pronounce "S" and "Z"

The spoken sounds of the letters S and Z can be confusing for non-native English speakers.  Here are some techniques for pronouncing the sounds correctly. 

1. First you must understand the tongue position for the /s/ and /z/ sounds. The tip of the tongue for both sounds is behind your upper gum ridge.  The tongue is pointed and slightly curved up.
2. Second, you must understand the difference between voiceless and voiced sounds.   The /s/ is a voiceless sound.  Your vocal chords are relaxed when you make the /s/ sound.  The /z/ is a voiced sound.  Your vocal chords vibrate when you make the /z/ sound.
3. You must also become familiar with all the different spellings for the letters S and Z.  Notice that the S has the /z/ sound and the C often has the /s/ sound.


Here are some common spellings for the /s/ sound

s:  some, yes, must

ss:  class, discuss

c:  city, nice , place

sc:  science, scary

Here are some common spellings for the /z/ sound

z: size, prize, quiz

zz: dizzy, blizzard

s:  busy, because, visit

se:  these, cause, lose

s:  plays, does, girl's

Here are some Practice phrases: 

Remember, the S in each word has a /z/ sound.  When you pronounce the S make sure you create a vibration in your vocal chords.

1. goes away
2. closes at 10:00
3. noisy visitors
4. doesn't work
5. easy does it
6. use these
7. always late