Technique
How to say it
- 1
Pronounce '-ed' as voiceless /t/ after unvoiced consonant sounds such as /p/, /k/, /f/, /s/, /ʃ/, and /tʃ/ without adding a new syllable.
- 2
Pronounce '-ed' as voiced /d/ after vowels and voiced consonants like /b/, /g/, /v/, /z/, /m/, /n/, and /l/, keeping the same syllable count.
- 3
Add an extra vowel syllable pronounced as /ɪd/ only when the base verb ends in a /t/ or /d/ sound.
- 4
Place your fingers gently against your throat to feel the vocal cord vibration that separates /d/ from /t/.
7 pairs
Minimal pairs
Say each pair aloud. If the two words sound the same when you record yourself, slow down and go back to the steps above.
- lacked (/t/)/lagged (/d/)
- picked (/t/)/pigged (/d/)
- passed (/t/)/parted (/ɪd/)
- played (/d/)/planted (/ɪd/)
- cleaned (/d/)/collected (/ɪd/)
- watched (/t/)/wanted (/ɪd/)
- tripped (/t/)/trended (/ɪd/)
12 sentences
Practice lines from IELTS-style answers
- 1
I decided to move flat because I needed a much quieter neighbourhood.
/ɪd/ in decided and needed
- 2
We walked around the historic centre and watched street performers for hours.
/t/ in walked and watched
- 3
My brother lived abroad for three years and loved the local culture.
/d/ in lived and loved
- 4
I picked up photography last summer and really enjoyed editing my photos.
/t/ in picked; /d/ in enjoyed
- 5
The council expanded the park and created several new cycling paths.
/ɪd/ in expanded and created
- 6
When I started university, I joined a debate club and attended workshops.
/ɪd/ in started and attended; /d/ in joined
- 7
She booked the train tickets early and saved quite a bit of money.
/t/ in booked; /d/ in saved
- 8
I realised how much I missed home once the holidays arrived.
/d/ in realised and arrived; /t/ in missed
- 9
The tutor explained the grammar rules clearly and helped everyone practise.
/d/ in explained; /t/ in helped
- 10
We visited an art exhibition that attracted thousands of tourists last weekend.
/ɪd/ in visited and attracted
- 11
I prepared thoroughly for the exam, so I felt relaxed throughout.
/d/ in prepared; /t/ in relaxed
- 12
They accepted my application after I submitted all the requested paperwork.
/ɪd/ in accepted, submitted, and requested
Say it in a real answer
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Common mistakes
- →Adding an unnecessary extra syllable by pronouncing every '-ed' as /ɪd/ instead of blending the consonant.
- →Dropping the final sound entirely, which makes past tense narratives sound grammatically inaccurate.
- →Voicing '-ed' as /d/ after voiceless consonants, creating awkward transitions instead of crisp /t/ sounds.
In the exam: When narrating past experiences in Part 2, articulate your '-ed' endings crisply to ensure the examiner clearly recognises your use of past tenses.
Frequently asked questions
How much does pronunciation count in IELTS Speaking?+
A quarter of your Speaking band. Examiners judge how easy you are to understand and how well you use features like stress, rhythm and intonation, not whether you sound British or American.
Do I need a native accent for Band 8?+
No. An accent is fine at every band. What matters is that individual sounds are clear, stress falls on the right syllables and your intonation helps the listener follow you.
How should I practise these lines?+
Read each line slowly, then at natural speed, then record yourself and compare. Say the sentences in a real answer next, because examiners hear your pronunciation while you think, not while you read.
Keep practising
More word endings practice
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