R and L Sounds

Intermediate · Tongue Twisters

These build control over the R/L contrast. Remember: for /l/ your tongue TIP touches the ridge behind your teeth; for /r/ it touches NOTHING and the lips round slightly. Switching between them quickly is the challenge.

Target sounds

/l/ tongue touches (light) · /r/ tongue does NOT touch (right)

Tips to remember

• Say "red lorry, yellow lorry" slowly first — it is famously hard even for natives.
• For /r/, do not roll or tap the tongue; keep it smooth and pull it back.