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S Never Follows X

Spell with XC or XES to Keep X and S Apart

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In English, X and S are never written next to each other. When a word uses the /ks/ sound followed by /s/, you spell it with XC instead: excite, exceed, except. When a word ending in X becomes plural, you add ES, not just S: box, boxes. The E acts as a buffer to keep X and S apart.

XC and XES Words

XC words (S never follows X, C makes the /s/ sound)

excite excess except excuse exceed excels excise excerpt

XES words (add ES to keep X and S apart in plurals)

boxes foxes fixes mixes waxes taxes

Spelling Word List

14 words showing how X and S stay apart, using XC and XES.

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The Rule: No XS

X and S are never written next to each other in English
XC
/ks/ + /s/ sound
excite, exceed, except
XES
plural of X words
box, boxes; fox, foxes

You will never see XS in an English word. There are two situations where you need to know this. First: when a word like excite or exceed has the /ks/ sound followed by another /s/ sound, the S is replaced by C. Soft C makes the /s/ sound before E, I, or Y, so XC gives you the /ks/ + /s/ combination without putting X and S together. Second: when a word ending in X becomes plural, English adds ES instead of just S. The E keeps X and S from touching. Say box then boxes: the word already has the XES sound built in.

Lyrics

S Never Follows X: XC and XES

Are you ready?

Chorus

X and S never are to be next to each other.
Spell with XC, but if the word is plural, then XC isn't smart.
Use the letter E to keep the X and S apart.
Yeah, X and S never are to be next to each other.
Spell with XC, but if the word is plural, then XC isn't smart.
Use the letter E to keep the X and S apart.

Verse 1: XC Words

excite: e x c i t e
excess: e x c e s s
except: e x c e p t
excuse: e x c u s e
exceed: e x c e e d
excels: e x c e l s
excise: e x c i s e
excerpts: e x c e r p t

Chorus

X and S never are to be next to each other.
Spell with XC, but if the word is plural, then XC isn't smart.
Use the letter E to keep the X and S apart.

Verse 2: XES Words (Plurals)

boxes: b o x e s
foxes: f o x e s
fixes: f i x e s
mixes: m i x e s
waxes: w a x e s
taxes: t a x e s

Chorus

X and S never are to be next to each other.
Spell with XC, but if the word is plural, then XC isn't smart.
Use the letter E to keep the X and S apart.
Yeah, X and S never are to be next to each other.
Spell with XC, but if the word is plural, then XC isn't smart.
Use the letter E to keep the X and S apart.

Mr. Spelling.com