Minimal pair · Standard Southern British
British English /ɹ/ vs /l/R /ɹ/ and L /l/
Keep the rhotic approximant and lateral separate in word-initial position. British road/load retain the GOAT vowel /əʊ/. A Southern British reference bank, not a description of every UK accent. These are editorial word pools supported by pronunciation references, not recovered experimental stimulus lists.
Explore listening lessonsThe American r sound
This is the American reference sound, rather than the taps or trills called r in other languages.
The l sound
Listen to the beginning of the word and compare it with the other consonant while the ending stays the same.
WHAT TO LISTEN FOR
A small change.
A different word.
Keep the rhotic approximant and lateral separate in word-initial position. British road/load retain the GOAT vowel /əʊ/. A Southern British reference bank, not a description of every UK accent. These are editorial word pools supported by pronunciation references, not recovered experimental stimulus lists.
Sound examples
Cached recordings are being prepared10 words. Words stay hidden during practice unless you choose to reveal them.
This guide is free to read. Recordings for these examples are not available yet.