Mastering the pronunciation of words ending in -ED can be tricky, especially for speakers of Latin-based languages. Sometimes the ending sounds like /t/, other times like /d/, and in certain cases, it becomes /ɪd/.

English is funny like that.

Here’s a technique that might help you. I call it the “Flick Method”. It has helped many of my students with their pronunciation of -ED endings.

With a little practice, you’ll pronounce -ED endings naturally and with more confidence.

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Pronunciation Rules of -ED Endings

For every -ED word, there are 3 possible ending sounds:

Before we learn the Flick Method, let’s review the rules for -ED endings.

1. Add an extra syllable /id/
2. Make a stopped sound /t/
3. Make a stopped sound /d/

The trick to perfect pronunciation of -ED words is knowing which sound to make.

Look at the words rated and raked, for example. They are almost the same word (except for one letter) but are pronounced very differently.

As you can hear, the word raked ends in a stopped /t/ sound. The word rated has an extra syllable /-ed/.

Why?

It all depends on the ending sound of the root word.

But let’s forget about why for a moment. Instead, let’s talk about how.

When you know how to produce stopped sounds, your English pronunciation (and listening) will get so much better.

Here’s everything you need to know about when and how to pronounce -ED words in English.

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-ED Words With an Extra Syllable (+ -ED)

When a root word ends in a /t/ or /d/ sound, add an extra syllable /-ed/.

The silent e on words like ‘excite’ and ‘decide’ does not affect the pronunciation rule.

This looks pretty simple so far, but be careful. Only a handful of words take an extra syllable /ed/. Most -ED words have a stopped /t/ or /d/ sound, so let’s look at how to pronounce those.

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-ED Words With Stopped Sounds

Does the word “stopped” have 1 or 2 syllables?

If you answered 1, you’re right! “Stopped” is actually pronounced STOPT, not STOPP-ED. It has 1 syllable, 1 ending: /t/.

Words that end in an unvoiced sound have a stopped /t/ sound.

Unvoiced sounds include {f, k, p, s, sh, ch, th, and x}.

Listen to how the words above are pronounced. Copy the audio.

Now practice again with words ending in the /d/ sound.

Words that end in a voiced sound have a stopped /d/ sound.

Voiced sounds include {b, j, g, l, m, n, r, v, z, and all vowels}.

Listen to how the words above are pronounced. Copy the audio.

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The Flick Method: Pronounce Stopped -ED Words Like a Native Speaker

Making stopped sounds /t/ and /d/ takes some practice. I use the Flick Method to teach my students how to do it in 2 easy steps:

Step 1

Touch your first finger to your thumb and say the root word, for example: stop.

Step 2

Flick your finger as you release a /t/ sound by touching your tongue to the roof of your mouth.

Repeat this 4-5 times until you can do it faster. Then you will have correctly pronounced the word stopped! Try it again with the /d/ sound below.

With time and practice, you’ll be able to pronounce any word ending in -ED correctly. Try reading more stopped sounds below. Flick your finger for the /t/ and /d/ sounds.

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I hope the Flick Method helps you on your ESL journey. I’d love to know if it did.

Leave a comment below and tell me what you think!

Happy Teaching & Learning,

Elsa H.