How to Pronounce the -ED Ending Correctly in English

Pronouncing the -ed ending correctly can be a challenge for many English learners. It’s a common mistake that can make your speech sound unnatural or even confusing to native speakers. In this article, we will provide you with some tips and tricks on how to pronounce the -ed ending correctly in English.

How to Pronounce -ED in English

The final -ed ending has three different pronunciations: /id/, /t/, and /d/

Final -ED is Pronounced /id/

Final -ed is pronounced /id/ after verbs ending in /t/ or /d/ sounds, examples:

• add – added
• lift – lifted
• end -ended
• rest – rested
• defend – defended
• wait – waited
• pretend – pretended
• want – wanted

Final -ED is Pronounced /t/

Final -ed is pronounced /t/ after verbs ending in voiceless sounds except /t/, examples:

• /p/ – dropped, shaped, sipped, wrapped, hoped
• /k/ – dropped, locked, marked, wrecked, liked
• /f/ – coughed, laughed, photographed, puffed
• /θ/ – bathed, toothed
• /s/ – danced, placed, kissed, missed, faxed
• /∫/ – brushed, flashed, rushed, wished, washed
• /t∫/ – pinched, reached, touched, watched

Final -ED is Pronounced /d/

Final -ed is pronounced /d/ after verbs ending in voiced sounds except /d/. Voiced sounds include vowel sounds:

• /i: / – keyed, guaranteed
• /I/ – pitied, envied, worried, carried
• /ɑ:/ – barred, scarred
• /ɜ:/ – preferred, referred,
• /ə/ –  answered, bothered, gathered
• /eI/ – stayed, delayed, played, weighed
• /b/ – disturbed, robbed, grabbed
• /g/ – begged, dragged
• /m/ – aimed, seemed
• /ð/ – clothed, bathed, mouthed
• /z/ – dazed, pleased, caused
• /l/ – called, killed, rolled, boiled, mailed

How to Pronounce -ED in English | Images