Clear vs Dark L

There are two distinct ways to pronounce the L in English: Clear L [l], which is the same as in French, and Dark L [ɫ], which is specific to English (and other languages but not French)

• Clear L [l]

  Light L is used when followed by a pronounced vowel (this excludes silent vowels like the ending e in "style")

• Dark L [ɫ]

  Dark L is used when the L is not followed by a pronounced vowel.
  The consonant [ɫ] is realised by sticking the tip of the tongue on the back of the gum and raising the back of the tongue.
  
  Some people realise dark L by pronouncing a [w] sound (less posh)
  With this pronuncitation, "howl" [hæwɫ]/[hæw] sounds the same as "how" [hæw].