Final consonant contrasts: /t d k g p b s z/ at the end of words
Short answer: In English, the last sound can change the whole word: cap, cat and can, or bag and back, or bus and buzz. Listen for the final consonant and say it clearly, even if you say it short. Pairs such as /t/ and /d/, /k/ and /g/, /p/ and /b/, and /s/ and /z/ differ by voice.
▶ Open the sound card Practice →
At a glance
| Pair | Voiceless | Voiced |
|---|---|---|
| /t/ – /d/ | bat | bad |
| /k/ – /g/ | back | bag |
| /p/ – /b/ | cap | cab |
| /s/ – /z/ | bus | buzz |
How to make the sound
- Say the word slowly and listen to the last sound.
- Touch your throat. A buzz means voiced (/d/, /g/, /b/, /z/).
- Say the final consonant clearly, but keep it short.
- Compare minimal pairs: cap – cat – can.
Pairs to practice
| Voiceless | Voiced |
|---|---|
| bat | bad |
| back | bag |
| cap | cab |
| bus | buzz |
Examples in sentences
- cap
ends with /p/: /kæp/. - cat
ends with /t/: /kæt/. - can
ends with /n/: /kæn/. - bag
ends with /g/: /bæg/. - back
ends with /k/: /bæk/. - bus
ends with /s/: /bʌs/.
Common problems
- Dropping the final sound: Saying “ca” for cap, cat and can. Keep the last sound.
- Not voicing /d/, /g/, /b/: bad becomes bat. Make your throat buzz.
- Adding a vowel after the consonant: Do not say “bag-uh”. End on the consonant.
For Vietnamese speakers
- Vietnamese has only a few final consonants, so final /d/, /g/, /b/, /z/ may be dropped. Practice each one.
- In words such as bus and buzz, the vowel is a little longer before a voiced consonant.
Check yourself
- What is the last sound of “cap”?
Show the answer
/p/ Lips close.
- Which word ends with a voiced sound?
Show the answer
bag /g/ buzzes.
- Which pair differs by voice?
Show the answer
bus – buzz /s/ and /z/.
Questions
Do I say the last sound loudly?
No. Keep it short but make it clear.
Why does the last sound matter?
It can change the word and the meaning.
Is the vowel longer before a voiced consonant?
Yes: the vowel in bad is longer than in bat.
More lessons in this part
- sh or s? ship, sip
- Short i or long ee? ship, sheep
- th, s or d? think, sink, they, day
- ch, sh or j? chip, ship, jam
- l, r or n? light, right, night
Part of the 👄 Pronunciation tool: Sound Contrast & Articulation. See also the English pronunciation guide. Đọc bằng tiếng Việt.
Written for English learners by the English for Fun team. How we write our lessons · Last updated 2026-11-05.
Reviewed by Chinh Q. Hoang, PhD, founder, English for Fun · 2026-10-30