Intonation Contour 1 - the Low Falling Tone

Statements

(definite, considered, weighty)

1. I hate porridge. So do I.

2. I can’t bear Bridget. Neither can I.

3. How much does it cost? Five shillings.

4. What sort of holiday did you have? Perfectly horrid.

5. When can you come? This after noon, I think.

Special Questions

(serious, responsible, urgent)

1. He told me he’d been in Greece. When was that, I wonder?

2. Will you lend me some money? What do you want it for?

3. I gave him ad vice. Why did you do such a stupid thing?

4. I’ve missed the last train. How are you going to get home?

General Questions

(put for discussion, as

suggestions; serious,

assertive; sceptical)

1. He’s a good chap. Are you certain he’ll help?

2. I ex pect he’ll help. Can you ask him a bout it?

3. Julia ex plained the rule to me. But do you really under stand it?

Imperatives

(firm, serious, insistent)

1. I’ve finished that. Now re peat the process.

2. But I don’t like porridge. Eat it up, I say.

3. What shall I do with the box? Chop it up for firewood.

4. How long can I use your player? Keep it for as long as you like.

Exclamations (very strong, emphatic)

1. John’s been pro moted. Isn’t it strange!

2. I shall take you to the Lake District. Won’t that be lovely!

3. She says it was your fault. How ri diculous!

4. He won a ↑ gold medal. Fancy that.

5. Here’s to you. Your very good health!

Task 8. Read the following utterances. Notice the intonation contour of the responses and attitudinal meaning associated with it in different communicative types of sentences.