Which IPA symbol represents a voiced alveolar approximant (the English r)?

• A. /w/
• B. /ɹ/
• C. /j/
• D. /l/

Answer: (B)

The sound in question is produced as an approximant at the alveolar place of articulation and with voicing—so the vocal cords vibrate while the tongue approximates the area just behind the upper teeth. The IPA symbol that represents this voiced alveolar approximant, which corresponds to the English “r,” is /ɹ/.

Why this fits: alveolar means the tongue is near the alveolar ridge, and approximant means the airstream is not narrowed enough to create turbulent noise. The English rhotic is analyzed as an approximant with voicing, matching the symbol /ɹ/.

Understanding the other options helps confirm why this is the right pick: /w/ is produced with lip rounding at a labio-velar place of articulation, not alveolar; /j/ is the palatal approximant (the “y” sound in yes), not alveolar; /l/ is the alveolar lateral approximant, where the air flows around the sides of the tongue rather than producing a rhotic sound.