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These spellings are most common in the endings -tion, -tial, -cial, and -sion. In all of these cases, we prononce ti-, ci and si as an SH sound. This means the i is not pronounced at all so that -tion and -sion = shun with u = schwa. Also -cial and -tial = shul with u = schwa. Additionally, -cious = shus.

Interestingly, there’s a great syllable stress rule here. We can always stress the vowel that precedes these endings (in English there is always an exception, but this rule is quite reliable). Notice the stress and the endings while practicing the words below. You can watch the video here.

Words with Stress on 1st Syllable

Words with stress on the 2nd syllable: commercial, essential, official, financial, sequential, initial, depression, aggression.

Words with stress on the 3rd syllable: beneficial, artificial, superficial, confidential, nonessential, exponential.

Words with stress on the 4th syllable: negotiation.

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