I find it very difficult to pronounce the words fifths (as in four fifths or parallel fifths). The consonant cluster [fθs] is very difficult for me to utter.
I know that in some cases the pronunciation of the plural is different from that of the singular for the sake of simplification of pronunciation. For example (correct me if I am wrong), the word clothes can be pronounced [kloʊz] instead of [kloʊðz], and mouths can be pronounced [maʊz] instead of [maʊðz].
Is there any possible simplification for the pronunciation of fifths or is pronouncing [fifθs] piece of cake for native speakers?
Best Answer
The Big Book of Beastly Mispronunciations says:
Disclaimer: I do not agree with some of their verdicts of "beastly": the entry goes on to say It is beastly, however, to drop the h and say FIFT or drop the th and say FIF.
Regarding the plural, fifths: the above excerpt applies pretty well here too. /fifθs/ is possible for many native speakers, and /fiθs/ is quite acceptable.
Howjsay.com has both pronunciations in audio (BrE), and forvo.com only has /fifθs/ (in AmE). Forvo also has eight pronunciations of fifth in various contexts (e.g. Fifth Avenue). Check them out if you want to hear them spoken.