Video | S & Z Sound Pairs

Hi! This is Amy, with Go Places English and today I want to talk about the pronunciation of PRICE & PRIZE in American English.

These two words can sometimes be confused. Although their meanings are quite different, their pronunciation is somewhat similar.

In the word PRICE, there is an /s/ sound. The word PRIZE has a /z/ sound.

S, Z

S, Z

The mouth shape and position of the tongue are the same in both sounds, however, in the Z sound, there is a vibration that creates the distinct Z sound.

Let’s practice these two words together. Listen and repeat.

Price

Prize

Price

Prize

Price

Prize

Price

Prize

Price

Prize

Price

Prize

Another pair of words we can practice with is RICE & RISE.

Rice

Rise

Rice

Rise

Rice

Rise

Rice

Rise

Rice

Rise

Rice

Rise

Let’s practice one final word pair. Ice and Eyes.

Ice

Eyes

Ice

Eyes

Ice

Eyes

Ice

Eyes

Ice

Eyes

Ice

Eyes

Good. Now record yourself saying the practice words and compare your pronunciation to mine. Keep practicing until you get it right.

To test your listening skills, take out your notebook and a pen and write down the words you hear me say.

1. Prize
2. Rice
3. Ice
4. Rise
5. Price
6. Eyes

You can check your answers in the transcript, located in the description of this video. Let me know how many you got right in the comments.

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If you have questions or feedback about this lesson, please let me know in the comments. Thanks!

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