⟨x⟩

⟨x⟩ is a consonant monograph that occurs in English. This normally represents the sound sequence /ks/, formed from k phoneme /k/ and s phoneme /s/. Sometimes this gets voiced to /gz/ (g phoneme /ɡ/ with z phoneme /z/). Finally, at the beginning of the word, it represents z phoneme /z/. There are also, less common pronunciations.

As /ks/

• At the end of the word: box, complex, fix, fox, index, lynx, matrix, mix, ox, relax, sex, six, tax
• Before a consonant: context, excavation, exchange, exclusive, excuse, expand, expect, expensive, experience, expert, explain, explore, export, express, extend, extinguisher, extra, mixture, next, Oxford, text, etc.
• Between vowels (the preceding vowel is stressed): boxer, galaxy, exercise, exhibition, Mexico, pixel, saxophone, taxi, Texas, toxic, tuxedo, etc.
• "xc" as /ks/: excel, excellent, except, excess, excite, etc.

As /gz/

• Between vowels (the following vowel is stressed): auxiliary, Alexander, exact, exaggerate, exam, examination, examine, example, executive, exhaust, exhibit, exist, existence, exotic, exuberant, etc.

As /z/

• xenophobia, xylophone

As /kʃ/

• anxious, complexion, crucifixion, fluxion, flexure, infixion, luxury, obnoxious, sexual, transfixion

As /ɡʒ/

• luxurious, luxury

⟨nx⟩ as /ŋz/

• anxiety

Variant pronunciations

• exile: /ˈeksaɪl/ or /ˈegzaɪl/
• exit: /ˈeksɪt/ or /ˈegzɪt/

Homophones

• lynx/links, tax/tacks, sax/sacks, etc

Minimal pairs

• lynx/link; next/nest; six/sick; text/test;

/ks/ vs /gz/

• tax, tags;

Silent X

Silent X occurs in some words

prix (/pri:/), Sioux /suː/

Also occurs optionally in some French plurals; chateaux, gateaux.

Informal spelling

• pix: pics, a shortening of pictures
• thanx: thanks
• thx: an abbreviation of thanks