Homework series · speakers

Dark L and clear L

By Will SalisburyUpdated 25 October 2026

English has two kinds of l. A clear l, as in light, is made before a vowel with the tongue front raised. A dark l, as in feel or milk, comes after a vowel or before a consonant, and the back of the tongue is pulled up and back while the tongue tip touches the ridge.

1 · Read the problems2 · One lesson a day3 · Review your mistakes4 · Go round again

1 · Pronunciation

Hear it, see it, say it

IELTS tip. In the Speaking test, a missing or very light final l can make words such as feel, film and people less clear, especially when you speak fast. Practise three or four words that you use often in IELTS topics, such as people, school and problem, and record them to check the final l. You do not need to copy a particular accent, only to keep the l present and steady.

How to make it

Put the tip of your tongue on the ridge behind your top teeth and keep it there.
For a dark l, pull the back of your tongue up and back, as if a short 'oo' is mixed in.
Let air and voice pass over the sides of the tongue, then stop without adding a vowel.

light, feel, milk, ball, table, little, help, people

Quick answers

What is a dark l?

It is the l sound you hear after a vowel or before a consonant, as in feel or milk. The tongue tip touches the ridge and the back of the tongue is pulled up and back.

What is the difference between clear l and dark l?

A clear l is bright and comes before a vowel, as in light. A dark l is heavier and comes after a vowel or before a consonant, as in feel or milk.

Do I have to use a dark l in IELTS?

You do not need to copy a perfect accent. You do need an l that is present and clear. A light or missing l at the end of words can make speech harder to understand.

Does the l change when a vowel follows?

Yes. In 'feel it', the l is followed by a vowel and moves forward, so it sounds clearer. This is a normal pattern in English.

Read the full lesson: Dark L and clear L