English Vowels /u/ vs /ʊ/
Both vowels are rounded—lips form a round shape for both.
- /u/ (as in pool): tense vowel, lips more rounded, tongue higher and tighter, longer duration.
- /ʊ/ (as in pull): lax vowel, lips slightly rounded, tongue raised but not as high, shorter duration.
These differences distinguish minimal pairs like pull vs pool.
Dark L Sound in Pull and Pool
Occurs when L is after a vowel or at the end of a word/syllable (e.g., ball, milk, full).
To pronounce: tip of tongue lightly touches alveolar ridge, back of tongue raised toward soft palate.
This creates a schwa-like /əl/ sound, giving a darker, heavier quality than the clear L heard at the start of words like light or love.
Practice by saying "schwa + L" (/əl/) and feeling the tongue pull back for the dark resonance.