Tone-group 3

Attitude:

in statements: conveying personal concern or involvement, likely interested, more airy and lighter in mood than when said with TONE-GROUP 1 and 2 (with low head querulous);

in special questions: lively, interested (with low head), somewhat unpleasantly surprised;

in general questions: mildly surprised acceptance of the listener’s premises, willing to discuss though sometimes impatient that such discussion should be necessary;

in imperatives: sounding;

in exclamations: very emotional.

Pattern 1. High fall only

Statements:

1. Do you know Basil Fish? No, I don’t.

2. Why didn’t you buy the picture? Much too expensive.

Special questions:

1. I saw the queen yesterday. Where?

2. Let’s paint one of the walls pink. Which of them, do you think?

General questions:

1. You are too late. Am I?

2. John’s generosity is amazing. Is it generosity do you think?

They can go after all. Pity, isn’t it?

Commands:

1. May I borrow your pen? Yes, do.

2. I love salted almonds. Take a couple of handfuls.

3. The paper is too big for the envelope. Fold it then, you helpless man.

Exclamations:

1. Will you have a drink? Thank you, I’d love to.

2. Have you taken over your new house? Heavens! Ages ago!

Pattern 2. LOW PRE-HEAD + HIGH FALL

Statements:

1. What did you think of the show? It was wonderful!

2. You can't eat all that. Oh, but I can. I’m starving.

Special questions:

1. You must do it. But how?

2. I know all about it. But how can you know?

General questions:

1. They both passed the exam. Oh, did they?

2. We'll never be ready by Monday. Shall we postpone the meeting then?

Commands:

1. Pat’s being very obstinate. Then you be obstinate too.

Exclamations:

1. May I use your phone? By all means

2. I owe you an apology. I should think so indeed.

Pattern 3. LOW HEAD + HIGH FALL

Statements:

1. Peter came early. Well, so did I.

2. Why didn't you say you'd Won? I didn’t know I had. I’m just as

surprised as you are.

Special questions:

1. I told him he was a fool. What did you say for that?

2. I'm going to emigrate. When did you decide to do that?

General questions:

1. I doubt whether David would subscribe. Is it fair to expect him to?

2. You are not very good at it, are you? Have I ever pretended otherwise?

Commands:

1. I don’t want to go alone. Come along with us then.

2. I’ve lost my invitation. Well write and ask them to send you.

Exclamations:

1. Look, it works. So it does, how very old.

2. You are a bit grumpy today. Not in the least.