Logo

Whats the rule that makes "please" pronounced the same as "pleas"?

11.06.2025 13:11

Whats the rule that makes "please" pronounced the same as "pleas"?

Please is an anglicization of the French word plaisir.

Pleas is spelled <pleas> because it's the plural of pleas.

There's no rule.

Harvard scientists issue 'toxic' warning over 'hidden dangers' of protein powders - LADbible

While you may reasonably ask why words are spelled the way they're spelled, it makes no sense to ask why they're pronounced the way they're pronounced.

What's (not “whats”) the rule?

You'll usually find your answer there.

Aristo Sham of Hong Kong wins the 2025 Van Cliburn Piano Competition - Dallas News

Words are pronounced the way that they're pronounced.

Whence the <ea> I cannot say but some other words that were spelled <ai> in French are spelled <ea> in English: aise → ease, graisse → grease, fait → feat.

If you're curious about why a word is spelled the way it's spelled, your first recourse should be etymonline dot com.

‘Hamilton’ Original Cast Reunites for Tony Awards Medley — Watch - The Hollywood Reporter

Back in the day (circa 1300), it was written <plesen>.