Pronunciation of final -s

The choice of plural ending depends on the sound of the base form of the word.

a) The plural ending is / s / (spelled -s) if the base ends in

/ p / cup cups
/ t / cat cats
/ k / lark larks
/ f / whiff whiffs
/ th / myth myths

b) The plural ending is / iz / (spelled -es) if the base ends in

/ s / class classes
/ z / quiz quizzes
/ sh / ash ashes
/ zh / loge loges
/ ch / match matches
/ j / judge judges

c) The plural ending for the remaining sounds is / z /, spelled [b]-s[b]

bay bays rod rods
fee fees bill bills
boy boys sum sums
view views rug rugs

Adapted from Cornelius Jr., Edwin T., A Practical English Grammar. New York: English Language Services, 1968, 1980.
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