Rule for pronouncing the "-ed" at the end of a word in english?

Question

I am a life-long english speaker, but someone recently asked me if there is a rule for when to pronounce the "ed" at the end of a word and I realized I was not sure what to tell them. For example, "revealed" is pronounced a little like "reveal-d", but "tasted" is more like "taste-ehd". Does anyone know a/the rule for determining when you do and don't emphasize the "-ed" in english?

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

Generally speaking, a verb ending in D or T will make the 'ed' suffix sound like the name Ed.

If the verb ends in B, C, G, L, R or V, the 'ed' suffix sounds like a D.

After an F, K, P, S or SH, the 'ed' sounds like a T.

Anonymous · Answer

Because they have not been reminded throughout childhood that is it incorrect! I worked for a very 'posh' and articulate head receptionist years ago who spoke with a cut glass accent, yet consistently pronounced something, anything and nothing as though they were spelt with a k at the end. I have always insisted on correcting my children-all grown up now-and even my sons, who speak in 'street language' in order to follow the crowd, never ever pronounce those words with a k at the end.

thisbrit · Answer

I LOVE this question.  What a good one.  I do not know the answer, but will SURELY check back to find out if anyone knows - Is there a linguist in the house please?

runningfordad · Answer

/d/ is used after a voiced consonant and vowels
/t/ is used after a voiceless consonant such as /s/
/ed/ is used after an alveolar stop such as /t/ or /d/

(we just talked about this in my Linguistics class)

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Rule for pronouncing the "-ed" at the end of a word in english?

4 Answers