Languages / English / /ɹ/ vs /l/ /ɹ/ The American r sound This is the American reference sound, rather than the taps or trills called r in other languages.
As in right
/l/ The l sound Listen to the beginning of the word and compare it with the other consonant while the ending stays the same.
As in light
WHAT TO LISTEN FOR
A small change.A different word. Each example changes the beginning of the word. The rhyme stays the same, which makes the opening consonant your main listening target.
Listen for the target sound in each word.
A common trap The American r used here differs from the taps or trills called r in many other languages. The letter alone is not a pronunciation guide.
Sound examples Tap to hear each word /ɹ/ /l/
right
/ɹaɪt/ correct; opposite of left road
/ɹoʊd/ a route for vehicles rice
/ɹaɪs/ a grain used as food rake
/ɹeɪk/ a tool for gathering leaves rain
/ɹeɪn/ water falling from clouds rate
/ɹeɪt/ a measured amount per unit rock
/ɹɑk/ a piece of stone room
/ɹum/ an interior space ray
/ɹeɪ/ a narrow beam of light reef
/ɹif/ an underwater ridge race
/ɹeɪs/ a speed competition arrive
/əˈɹaɪv/ reach a destination correct
/kəˈɹɛkt/ free of error berries
/ˈbɛɹiz/ small fruits grass
/ɡɹæs/ a low green plant fresh
/fɹɛʃ/ recently made or obtained prank
/pɹæŋk/ a practical joke load
/loʊd/ something being carried lice
/laɪs/ plural of louse lake
/leɪk/ a large inland body of water lane
/leɪn/ a narrow road or marked road division late
/leɪt/ after the expected time lock
/lɑk/ a device that secures a door loom
/lum/ a machine for weaving lay
/leɪ/ put something down leaf
/lif/ a flat plant part lip
/lɪp/ the edge of the mouth lace
/leɪs/ decorative open fabric collect
/kəˈlɛkt/ gather together glass
/ɡlæs/ a hard transparent material flesh
/flɛʃ/ soft body tissue plank
/plæŋk/ a long flat board 38 words. Words stay hidden during practice unless you choose to reveal them.
Now, let your ears decide. Can you hear the difference? Listen to two examples, then decide which sound you hear in a new word. Get feedback after every answer.
Practice these sounds Keep the sound. Change the word. Once the three word beginnings feel clearer, revisit them with another available voice. Final and clustered r/l need separate practice.
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