exceeds

It’s pronounced /ɪkˈsiːdz/. The first syllable is a short /ɪ/ as in in, the second syllable carries the main stress with /siː/ (long E), and the final sound is the voiced /dz/ (like the “dz” in 'beds' with a Z and D blend). Your mouth starts with a neutral /ɪ/ position, then raises the tongue to the alveolar ridge for /siː/, and finally finishes with a quick /dz/. Practice saying “ex- CEEDS” with emphasis on the second syllable.

Common errors include pronouncing the second syllable with a short /e/ or misplacing the stress (e.g., /ˌɛkˈsiːdz/ or /ɪkˈsɪdz/). Another frequent slip is an unvoiced final consonant or blending without the /d/ onset of /dz/ (saying /ɪkˈsiːs/). Correction: ensure the stressed /siː/ has the long E and that the final is a clear, voiced /dz/. Record yourself, compare to /ɪkˈsiːdz/, and practice the trailing /dz/ blend with light vowel release.

In US/UK/AU, the core /ɪkˈsiːdz/ remains, but rhoticity affects surrounding vowels in connected speech. US tends to retain a stronger rhotic link and crisper /dʒ/-like release for some speakers, UK often has a less pronounced r-coloring and crisper vowel separation, while Australian speech may show slightly more centralized vowel qualities and a smoother intonation with less vowel reduction. The stressed /siː/ is consistent, but the surrounding vowels may shift: US /ɪ/ vs UK /ɪ/ and AU near /ɪ/ with a flatter pitch. Listen for the clear /dz/ ending in all variants.

The difficulty lies in the word-internal consonant cluster and the final voiced alveolar affricate /dz/. You must maintain the long /iː/ in the stressed syllable while smoothly transitioning from /siː/ to /dz/. It requires precise tongue placement at the alveolar ridge for /s/ and /d/ plus a quick, voiced release to /dz/. Also, neutralizing the preceding /ɪ/ to a crisp onset before /siː/ helps clarity. Practicing the /siːdz/ sequence in isolation, then in sentences, boosts accuracy.

Yes. The final /dz/ is a voiced affricate that can be swallowed or devoiced in fast speech, leading to confusion with /s/ or /z/. Emphasize the blend zh-like release with a brief voicing that clearly ends the word. You’ll hear the /dz/ as a single phonetically distinct unit, not two separate sounds. This unique final cluster distinguishes it from words ending in /s/ or /z/, and the stressed /siː/ is the key marker for correct rhythm.