S=/s/ or /z/?

[M.Mozaffary]

why S sometimes pronounce /s/ and sometimes /z/?

thanks

[Dawood Usmani]

why S sometimes pronounce /s/ and sometimes /z/?

thanks

There's no hard and fast rule of pronunciation in English. It all depends on hearing of native speakers like every other language in the world. Though there are some certain rules that help non-native speakers or learners to master the correct pronunciation. I, therefore, suggest to you that you listen to native speakers by watching television programmes, listening to the radio or some CDs and cassettes.
Regards!
Dawood

[David L.]

Are you referring to words such as realize, organize, and words ending -ize and -ise?

[AstroNox]

He is referring to IPA.

[Soup]

why S sometimes pronounce /s/ and sometimes /z/?

thanks

The general rule, [s] after a voiceless sound and [z] after a voiced sound. For example,

cat[s]
dog[z]

Read more here ...

[Dawood Usmani]

The general rule, [s] after a voiceless sound and [z] after a voiced sound. For example,

cat[s]
dog[z]

Read more here ...

Dear Soup, how about the general use of "s" in English, for example:
sistser [s] but resist [z] Why?
syllable [s] but clumsy [z] why?
vast [s] but was [z]why?
insert [s] but reserve [z] why?
seat [s] but disease [z] why?
absent [s] but present [z] why?
There are so many more examples like the above. Do they have any rules?
Regards!
Dawood

[Dawood Usmani]

Are you referring to words such as realize, organize, and words ending -ize and -ise?

Dear David, please tell us the rule[s] of ize and ise if there are. It'll certainly increase our knowledge.
Regards!
Dawood

[Soup]

Dear dawoodusmani,

sister [s]
The next sound [t] is voiceless

resist [z]
It sits between two voiced sounds

syllable [s]
[s] is a sound in English. No pattern here.

clumsy [z]
[z] sits between two voiced sounds, [m]..[y]

vast [s]
The next sound [t] is voiceless
was [z] no reason

insert [s]
It sits at a boundary, in+sert (from Latin serere to link together). Modern insert is a fused form. So, no pattern here today.

reserve [z]
It's also from Latin, but came into English from Middle French; hence the [z].

Hope that helped out some.

[Soup]

Dear David, please tell us the rule[s] of ize and ise if there are. It'll certainly increase our knowledge.
Regards!
Dawood

There is a great deal written about that. This may be of some help to you.

ize or ise - Google Search

[fondacey]

Just to throw a wrench/spanner....

Why
to close [z] --verb--
yet...
too close [s] --adj.--