Minimal pairs are words that sound the same apart from one sound. The only difference between no /nəʊ/ and low /ləʊ/ is the initial consonant sound. This worksheet deals with both Light L (used when there is a vowel sound afterwards, like low) and Dark L (used when there is no vowel sound afterwards, like trail). You may have a problem with both types of L or just one.
Comparison Words (minimal pairs in the order /n/ - /l/) 1 no – low 3 nice – lice 2 name – lame 4 knife – life 5 Nick – lick 6 snack – slack 7 minute – millet 9 8 fine – file Potentially Embarrassing Mix-Ups (minimal pairs in the order /n/ - /l/) 1 snag – ! slag
Words with /n/ and /l/ numbly, nonetheless, likeness, Londoner, unless, unlike, walnut, naturalness, loneliness
Phrases (minimal pairs – not necessarily in the order /n/ - /l/) 1 not a lot 2 no light at night 3 let’s use the net 5 the snob was a slob 4 we need you to lead 6 the crueller crooner Sentences (minimal pairs – not necessarily in the order /n/ - /l/)
1 She always notices when he plants nine lines of lotuses. 2 The loon needs to take a nap after running five laps at noon. 3 I’ve known that my niece has taken out a loan for a lease in the past. 4 It was snowing and raining so we drove slowly past the railings. 5 Did I tell you that he’s already seen ten seals? 6 I mean Ben said he’ll ring the bell when he’s ready for the meal.
7 pile of pine cones 8 Dean wanted to deal train – trail 10 win – will
