Question

/p, b, t, d, k, g/ are called ____ consonants in English.

• A. Plosives
• B. Affricates
• C. Nasals
• D. Lateral

Answer 1

Answer:

A. Plosives

• The consonants /p, b, t, d, k, g/ are called plosives (also known as stop consonants).

• In their articulation:

  • There is a complete closure at some point in the vocal tract.

  • This stops the airflow temporarily, and then the closure is released with a small explosion (hence plosive).

• Affricates: A combination of a plosive followed by a fricative (e.g., /tʃ/, /dʒ/).

• Nasals: Air escapes through the nose (e.g., /m/, /n/, /ŋ/).

• Lateral: The air flows along the sides of the tongue (e.g., /l/).