Letter “X” Pronunciation

Letter “X” Pronunciation

It is often assumed that the letter “k” is always pronounced with “k” sound + “s” sound. In English, however, the “x” spelling has two possible pronunciations:

-          “k” sound + “s” sound.

Example : box

-          “g” sound + “z” sound

Example : exact

“x” = “k” sound + “s” sound

The letter “x” will be pronounced as the “k” + “s” sounds when it is the final letter of the word.

Note : Suffixes like “-es” and “-ed” can be added to words ending in the letter “x” without changing the pronounciation from the “k” + “s” sound.

Examples:

-          Fixes

-          Fixed

Examples:

-          Box

-          Toxic

-          Explain

-          Galaxy

Exceptions:

There are a few exceptions to the letter “x” pronuncation patterns. The following words are pronounced as “g” + “z” sound:

-          Exit

-          Exile

-          Existential

“x” =  “g” sound + “z” sound

The pronunciation of the letter “x” will be that of the “g” + “z” sound when both of the following are true:

a.    The stressed syllable of the word begins immediately after the letter “x”, and

b.    The “x” is followed by a vowel sound.

Examples:

-          Exact

-          Example

-          Existence

-          Anxiety

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Axis Exam Exit Flex Flux Next Onyx Sexy Taxi

Boxer Boxes Codex Exact Detox Excel Exile Relax Remix

Exceed Exhale Expert Luxury Tuxedo Cashbox Context Phoenix Anxiety

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