Complete the pronunciation rules for the -s/-es ending.

Let's break down the rules for pronouncing the -s and -es endings in English. These endings are usually added to nouns to make them plural or to verbs in the third-person singular present tense. Here's how the pronunciation works, based on the preceding sounds: 1. **/ɪz/**: After **/s/, /ʃ/, /tʃ/, /dʒ/, /z/** (example: *kisses, wishes, watches, changes, buzzes*) * Explanation: When a word ends in a sibilant sound (hissing or buzzing sounds like /s/, /ʃ/, /tʃ/, /dʒ/, or /z/), we add an extra syllable, and the -es ending is pronounced /ɪz/. This makes the words easier to say. 2. **/s/**: After **/f/, /k/, /p/, /t/** (example: *laughs, books, cups, cats*) * Explanation: When a word ends in a voiceless consonant sound (a sound made without vibrating the vocal cords, like /f/, /k/, /p/, /t/), the -s ending is pronounced /s/. The vocal cords don't vibrate when saying these sounds, so the -s remains voiceless too. 3. **/z/**: After all other sounds (example: *cars, dogs, plays*). * Explanation: For all other sounds, especially after vowels and voiced consonants (sounds made with vibrating vocal cords), the -s ending is pronounced /z/. The vocal cords vibrate when saying these sounds, so the -s becomes voiced too. In summary, the pronunciation depends on the final sound of the base word. Adding the extra syllable /ɪz/ after sibilant sounds helps to keep the word easily pronounceable. For voiceless consonants, use /s/, and for vowels and voiced consonants, use /z/.