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Sound guides / L
The L sound (light and dark L)
The tongue tip touches the ridge just behind your top teeth while air flows around the sides. At the end of words, the back of the tongue also lifts (the 'dark L').
Why this sound matters
L is often confused with R, or dropped at the end of words like feel and will, which can change meaning.
Step 1: Find the position
- Touch the tongue tip firmly to the ridge just behind your top front teeth.
- Let the sides of the tongue drop so air and voice flow around them.
- At the end of a word (feel, call), keep the tip in place and lift the back of the tongue slightly.
- Hold the L for a moment before releasing. Don't cut it short.
Step 2: Fix common mistakes
L dropped at the end ('fee' for feel)
Finish the word: keep the tongue tip touching for a beat.
L sounds like R
Make sure the tip actually touches the ridge.
Final L turns into O or W ('feeo')
Common in casual speech. For clarity, touch the tip at the end.
Step 3: Practise words
Say each word slowly three times, then at normal speed. Record one round and listen back.
Beginning
- light
- list
- late
- learn
- lead
- local
Middle
- follow
- value
- really
- elect
- silly
- only
End / key words
- feel
- call
- will
- real
- full
- detail
Step 4: Hear the difference
These pairs differ by one sound. Say them side by side so the difference is clear to a listener.
rightlight
feefeel
wewe'll
grassglass
Step 5: Use it in sentences
Read each sentence aloud twice. Record the second time and check the target sound in every word.
- I'll call you later with the full list.
- We really value your detailed feedback.
- Let me look at the local results.
Keep practising
Short daily practice works better than one long session. Spend 5 minutes on this guide each day for a week.
More sound guides
Educational speaking practice, not speech therapy. For ongoing concerns, talk to a qualified speech-language professional.