Here's something that surprises many English learners: the L in "like" and the L in "fall" are not the same sound. English has two distinct L sounds, and using the wrong one in the wrong place is one of the subtle things that makes non-native speakers sound foreign.
The Two L Sounds
Light L (Clear L)
Used at the beginning of syllables, before vowels.
To make it: Place your tongue tip on the ridge behind your upper teeth. Keep the back of your tongue low.
Dark L (Velarized L)
Used at the end of syllables, after vowels or before consonants.
To make it: Place your tongue tip on the ridge, but raise the back of your tongue toward the soft palate (the back of the roof of your mouth). This creates a deeper, more hollow sound.
The Simple Rule
- Before a vowel → Light L
- After a vowel or before a consonant → Dark L
That's it. The position in the syllable determines which L you use.
Why Spanish Speakers Struggle
Spanish has only one L sound, which is similar to the English light L. When Spanish speakers use this same light L at the end of English words, it sounds unnatural to native ears.
Compare how "call" sounds:
- Spanish-influenced: "ca-lee" (light L, sounds like adding an extra vowel)
- American English: "cawl" (dark L, sounds deeper and doesn't add a vowel)
Words with Both L Sounds
Some words contain both types of L. Practice these to feel the difference:
In each of these words, the first L is light (before a vowel) and the final L is dark (at the end of the syllable).
More Dark L Examples
Practice these words that all have dark L:
How to Practice Dark L
- Start with "ull": Say "ull" as in "full." Feel how the back of your tongue raises.
- Compare with Spanish: Say the Spanish word "mal," then say "mall" in English. Notice the difference in the final L.
- Use a mirror: Your lips might round slightly for dark L; they stay neutral for light L.
- Record yourself: Compare your L sounds to native speaker recordings.
Common Mistakes
- Adding a vowel after dark L: "call" should not sound like "call-uh" or "ca-lee"
- Using light L everywhere: This makes final L's sound childish or foreign
- Dropping L entirely: Some learners avoid the dark L by not pronouncing it at all
Practice Sentences
Read these sentences aloud, paying attention to both types of L:
- "The little girl will call her friend."
- "Let me tell you about the local restaurant."
- "I love how cool the weather feels."
- "Can you help me learn this level?"
- "The ball rolled into the pool."
Quick Reference
| Position | L Type | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Beginning of syllable | Light L | like, love, believe, yellow |
| End of syllable | Dark L | call, milk, help, people |
| Before consonant | Dark L | cold, film, health |
| Syllabic L | Dark L | little, bottle, table |
Conclusion
The difference between dark L and light L is subtle but important. Native speakers use them automatically without thinking, and your ears are probably already trained to expect the right L in each position. By consciously practicing dark L at the end of words, you'll sound more natural and easier to understand.
For more on American English pronunciation features, see our guides on the glottal stop and the flap T.