Unit 20: Approximants & Laterals

Unit 20 Guide: Approximants /l/ and /r/

This unit focuses on the two approximants that learners most often confuse: /l/ and /r/. Although they look similar on the page, they are produced very differently inside the mouth.

/l/ — lateral approximant

• The tongue tip touches the alveolar ridge (the bump just behind the upper teeth).
• Air flows out around both sides of the tongue.
• Lips stay neutral.

/r/ — central approximant

• The tongue tip points up toward the alveolar ridge but does NOT touch anything.
• The tongue body bunches or curls slightly backward.
• Lips are slightly rounded in most English accents.

Key contrast: touching vs. not touching; spread vs. rounded lips. If your tongue makes contact, you will hear /l/. If your lips round and the tongue floats, you will hear /r/.

Practice slowly, exaggerating both positions, then blend into natural speed.