One of the general English spelling rules is: S never follows?

The reasoning behind the correct answer, which states that "S never follows X," is grounded in English spelling patterns and phonetics. In English, it's exceedingly rare to find words where the letter S directly follows the letter X. This aligns with common phonological rules seen across the language.

For example, words like "box" or "fox" end with the letter X, and when pluralized or modified, they change in structure but do not add an S immediately after the X. Instead, they would typically use a different phonetic element or rely on other morphological changes. Recognizing these patterns helps in understanding the nuances of English spelling, making it easier to predict and apply rules efficiently.

The other letters do have instances where S can follow them, showcasing the variance in English spelling rules and phonetics. Therefore, knowing that S does not follow X helps reinforce the uniqueness of this rule within English language structure.