How to say the CL sound
CL as in clockIPA: /kl/
Many children can say the CL sound by about 4–5 years. Some take longer, and that can be normal.
You can hear the CL sound in words like clock, climb and clap. On this page you can listen to it, see how to make it, and find games to practise it.
Hear the sound
Press play as many times as you like.
How to make the CL sound
- Start with K: raise the back of your tongue to the soft roof, voice off.
- As you release K, quickly move your tongue tip up behind your top teeth for L.
- K flows into L: smooth and connected.
Words to practise
- clock
- climb
- clap
- clean
- clown
Try this sentence
The clown climbs up the clean clock.
Hear the difference
Each pair sounds almost the same, but one sound is different. Say them slowly and listen for the change.
- clap and cap
- clock and cock
- clean and keen
Games for the CL sound
- Feed the Monster
- Magic Orb
- Tower Stacker
- Feed the Puppy
- Bubble Pop
- Echo Cave
- Slingshot Gallery
- Feed the Kiwi
- Treasure Chest
- Feed the Alien
- Word Fishing
- Feed the Dinosaur
- Feed the Robot
- Feed the Bear
- Feed the Dragon
More to listen to
Just the sound
The sound on its own, said once.
Sound and syllables
The sound, then each syllable.
Practise the syllables
Say each syllable along with Molly.
More practice for this sound is coming soon in our lessons. Join the waitlist
Why there are two voices
One voice says whole words. Molly says the sounds and syllables. Each one says its part clearly, the same way every time.
Tips for practising at home
- Listen to the sound a few times before you try it.
- Say each word slowly and clearly.
- Keep it short. 5 to 10 minutes is plenty.
- Cheer every try, even the ones that aren't perfect.
This is practice, not therapy. If you're worried about your child's speech, talk to a speech-language therapist or your GP.