Question

Which of the following sound pairs differ from each other in exactly two articulatory parameters?

• A. [p] vs. [b]
• B. [t] vs. [s]
• C. [v] vs. [θ]
• D. [n] vs. [d]

Hint:

When checking phoneme pairs, always test against the three articulatory features: voicing, place, and manner. Exactly two differences make them distinct but related.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Recall the three key articulatory parameters.
Consonants can differ by: (i) voicing, (ii) place of articulation, and (iii) manner of articulation.

Step 2: Analyze each pair.
- [p] vs. [b]: Both are bilabial stops, differing only in voicing. (1 parameter)
- [t] vs. [s]: Both are alveolar, but [t] is a stop while [s] is a fricative, so only manner differs. (1 parameter)
- [v] vs. [θ]: [v] is a voiced labiodental fricative, [θ] is a voiceless dental fricative. They differ in voicing and place of articulation. (2 parameters)
- [n] vs. [d]: Both are alveolar, but [n] is a nasal and [d] is a stop, so only manner differs. (1 parameter)

Step 3: Conclusion.
The only pair differing in exactly two parameters is [v] vs. [θ].
\[ \boxed{\text{Option (C) is correct.}} \]