While asterisk is usually said as [as, -t, uh, -risk], with the [s] in the final syllable preceding the [k], a metathesized pronunciation is also heard, in which the [s] and [k] change places producing [as, -t, uh, -riks]. This pronunciation, resulting in part from analogy with plural forms like kicks and sticks, can sometimes lead to a false analysis of [as, -t, uh, -riks] as a plural pronunciation, with a corresponding singular [as, -t, uh, -rik]. The metathesized pronunciation, although occasionally heard among educated speakers, is usually considered nonstandard, as is the pronunciation of the singular form with no [s] in the final syllable.