What is an example of a consonant phoneme?

A consonant phoneme is a distinct sound in spoken language that involves the obstruction of airflow in the vocal tract, which differentiates it from vowels, where airflow is more open. The letter "S" represents the phoneme /s/, which is a voiceless consonant sound produced by forcing air through a narrow channel between the tongue and the roof of the mouth. This clearly identifies "S" as a consonant phoneme.

In contrast, the other choices represent vowel sounds. The letters "A," "I," and "E" correspond to vowel phonemes, which are produced without significant obstruction of airflow, allowing for a free flow of sound. Understanding the distinction between consonants and vowels is critical in phonetics and phonology, as it underpins the structure of syllables and the overall sound system of a language.