Initial L Words for Speech Therapy

Initial L Words are words that start with the /L/ sound, such as lamp, leaf, and leg. This list has 20 initial-position L words for speech therapy practice, and most children master the /L/ sound by age 4-6.

L words at the beginning: lamp, leaf, leg, lemon, letter, lid, light, lime, lion, lip — plus 10 more below. Initial position puts the target sound at the very start, which makes it the easiest place to introduce a new sound.

Words:20
Position:Initial

Initial L Words — Full List (20 Words)

Every word below starts with the /L/ sound. Work through five at a time rather than the whole list in one sitting.

lampleafleglemonletterlidlightlimelionliplistlizardlockloglovelunchlakeladderlaughlucky
Practice these words with games

How to Practice Initial L Words at Home

Strategies for practicing the /L/ sound at the beginning of words.

1

Start by saying the /L/ sound in isolation, then immediately follow it with the vowel in the word. For example, stretch out "lamp" as "L...lamp".

2

Use a mirror so your child can watch their mouth as they start each word with the /L/ sound.

3

Practice just the first syllable of each word before saying the whole word. This builds confidence with the sound at the start.

4

Play "I Spy" with objects that start with the /L/ sound to make practice feel like a game.

5

Read books together and have your child point out words that begin with the /L/ sound.

Practice Sentences with Initial L Words

Read these sentences aloud. Words with the /L/ sound in initial position are highlighted.

Lucy the lion licked a lemon lollipop.

The little ladybug landed on a leaf.

Look at the tall giraffe by the lake.

Call your uncle and tell him about the letter.

Initial L Words — Frequently Asked Questions

What are examples of L words in the initial position?
This page lists 20 L words that start with the /L/ sound, including lamp, leaf, leg, lemon, letter, lid, light, lime, lion, lip.
What age should a child master the L sound?
Most children master the /L/ sound by age 4-6. The light /L/ (at the beginning of words) is typically easier and develops earlier, while the dark /L/ (at the end of words) may take longer to master.
How do you make the L sound?
Place the tip of your tongue firmly on the bumpy ridge just behind your upper front teeth (alveolar ridge). Keep the back of your tongue low. Turn your voice on and let the air escape around the sides of your tongue. For the dark /L/ at the end of words, the back of the tongue is raised slightly while the tip still touches the ridge.
What are common L sound errors?
The most common /L/ errors are: Substituting /W/ for /L/ (e.g., "wamp" for "lamp"); Substituting /Y/ for /L/ (e.g., "yeg" for "leg"); Omitting the /L/ sound entirely, especially at the end of words; Using a "W-colored" L where the lips round instead of the tongue lifting; Difficulty with /L/ blends (bl, cl, fl, gl, pl, sl).
How do you practice initial L words at home?
Start by saying the /L/ sound in isolation, then immediately follow it with the vowel in the word. For example, stretch out "lamp" as "L...lamp". Use a mirror so your child can watch their mouth as they start each word with the /L/ sound.

More L Word Lists & Resources

Practice the /L/ sound in the other word positions, or use the full sound guide and word list.

Medial L Words

20 words with tips

Final L Words

20 words with tips

L Sound Guide

How to make it, common errors, FAQ

All L Words

Complete 60-word list, all positions

Speech Sound Development Chart

What age each sound should appear

Speech Therapy Games

Practice L words with interactive activities

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