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S vs Z sounds

S and Z share an identical tongue position; the sole difference is that Z vibrates the vocal cords. This matters most at the ends of words, where it also signals grammar: rice versus rise, peace versus peas. Note that the letter S is often pronounced as Z, as in busy and is.

Accent

15 words · intermediate · your accent and voice are remembered across the site. More options on the settings page.

The words

sip
zip
price
prize
peace
peas
rice
rise
bus
buzz
loose
lose
advice
advise
busy

More lists like this

SH vs CH sounds
Ship or chip, share or chair. One flows, one starts with a tiny stop. Hear the pairs contrasted.
15
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Long vs short vowel pairs
Ship or sheep, full or fool, pull or pool. Hear the tense and lax vowel pairs side by side.
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Voiced TH words
The buzzing TH in this, that and mother. Feel your vocal cords vibrate on every one of these.
15
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Voiceless TH words
The soft breathy TH in think, three and mouth. No vocal cord buzz, just airflow over the tongue.
15
Show the 15 words

R vs L minimal pairs
Rice or lice, right or light. Hear the R and L contrast that trips up many learners, pair by pair.
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V vs W minimal pairs
Vest or west, vine or wine. Practise the lip position that separates English V from W.
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Keep practising

Browse every practice list or the word index, hear two accents back to back on Compare, or test your ear with the listening quiz.

To read the rules behind these words, see the pronunciation guides — including silent letters, word stress and American vs British. Or hear each accent on its own page: American, British, Australian.