Which phrase describes the sound "ɔ"?

The sound "ɔ" is accurately described as "Open o." This vowel sound is produced with a relatively open mouth position and is often found in various dialects of English, such as in the word "thought" or "law." Referring to it as "Open o" emphasizes the openness of the vowel sound.

In phonetic terms, the designation "Open o" highlights the articulation involved in producing the sound, which is distinct from other vowel sounds that might involve a more closed mouth position. This makes it particularly important for students to recognize the characteristics of vowel articulations as they relate to phonetic classification.

The other choices do not align with the sound "ɔ." "Hooked u" typically refers to a vowel sound that is more rounded and produced with a higher tongue position, while "lower case u" is associated with different back vowels, particularly that of "oo" sounds, and "lower case o" does not accurately capture the open and rounded articulation of the "ɔ" sound. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for grasping the nuances of vowel pronunciation in phonetics.