Tone-group 4

Attitude:

in statements: conveying personal concern, sounding light, airy, warm but without the disgruntled effect;

in special questions: sounding interested, brisk, business-like;

in general questions: mildly surprised acceptance of the listener’s premises, sometimes sounding skeptical;

in imperatives: sounding lovely, suggesting a course of action to the listener;

in exclamations: conveying mild surprise but without the affront of partners.

Pattern 1. STEPPING HEAD + HIGH FALL

Statements:

1. What’s the time, please? I don’t know. I suppose it’s about 12.

2. Here, use my pen. Thank you very much. Mine seems to be out of ink.

Special questions:

1. I’ve just seen that new musical. What is it called?

2. Underneath the Arches. What did you think of it?

3. What was that you said? Where did you go for your summer holiday?

General questions:

1. John says he has an alibi. Can he prove it?

2. I can’t help being right, can I? But must you always be so smug about it?

3. It’s not so bright now, is it? It looks as if it’s going to rain, doesn’t it?

Commands:

1. I can’t think what to say. Don’t say anything at all. Leave it entirely to me.

2. What shall I do with this? Put it in the waste-paper basket.

Exclamations:

1. We’ll go there on Friday. The sooner the better.

2. I’m sorry to have against you. A fine friend you turned out to be.

Pattern 2. SUCCESSION OF HIGH FALLS

Statements:

1. What was the party like? The food was terrible, I’m sorry to say.

2. He said he knew nothing about it. But I told him myself.

Special questions:

1. Oh, I know he couldn’t help it. Then why are you so angry with him?

2. I found your book in the green-house. How on earth did it get there?

General questions:

1. I bumped into Alice yesterday. Did you notice how thin she’s become?

2. That’s not very convincing. Well, can you think of a better argument?

3. Have you heard about Alex? Isn’t it incredible?

Commands:

1. Of course, he’ll agree. Don’t be too sure.

Exclamations:

1. He is an absolute swindler. Oh, I say! For heaven’s sake!

2. Here’s a cheque for you. Thank you most awfully.

Pattern 3. HIGH PRE-HEAD + HIGH FALL

Statements:

1. Was it easy? Surprisingly so.

Special questions:

1. Its no use asking Philip. Well, who then?

General questions:

1. Well, it looks like mine. But is it yours in fact?

Commands:

1. Shall I ask him to tea? By all means ask him.

Exclamations:

1. Looking for me, Terry? Oh, there you are, Peter?