Which of the following are liquids?

• A. m, n
• B. l, ɹ
• C. s, z
• D. b, p

Answer: (B)

Liquids are consonants produced with a relatively open vocal tract, allowing air to flow smoothly rather than being fully blocked or turbulent. The two sounds shown—l and ɹ—fit this category. The l is an alveolar lateral approximant, letting air pass around the sides of the tongue, while ɹ is a rhotic approximant with a looser constriction that gives a smooth, vowel-like quality. That open, flowing articulation is why they’re called liquids. The other options involve nasal sounds (air through the nose), fricatives (turbulent airflow), or plosives (a complete oral closure with a burst of air), none of which are liquids.