Intonation Pattern I

(LOW PRE-HEAD +) LOW FALL (+ TAIL)

The Low Fall in the nucleus starts from the mid-level or lower and usually reaches the lowest level.

The unstressed syllables which form the tail are pronounced on the lowest level pitch. The unstressed syllables forming the pre-head are pronounced either on the low level pitch or rise gradually.

This intonation pattern is used:

l.In statements,final,categoric,calm,reserved. e, g. Whose book is this? — It's Mother's.

2. In special questions, calm, serious, flat, reserved, very often unsympathetic.

e. g. One book is missing. — Which?

3. In imperatives, calm, unemotional, serious,

e. g. I'll send it to him. — Don't.

How can I get in touch with Nick? — Phone him.

4. In exclamations, calm, unsurprised, reserved.

e. g. Would you like an apple? -- Thank you. He's just arrived. — Fine!

Intonation Pattern II

(LOW PRE-HEAD +) DESCENDING HEAD + LOW FALL (+ TAIL)

The first stressed syllable of the descending head is pro­nounced on the high level pitch. Sometimes it is pronounced with a slight rise. The following stressed syllables have level pitch and form a descending sequence until the nucleus is reached, unstressed syllables may either carry the pitch down or they may he pronounced on the level of the preceding stressed. The Low Fall in the nucleus starts somewhat lower than the mid level. If there are any unstressed syllables before the first stressed syllable they are said on a rather low pitch.

This intonation pattern is used:

1. In statements, final, categoric, considered.

e. g. How much did you pay for it? - It costs over two hundred pounds.

What is the weather like? - I think it is going to rain.

2. In special questions, serious, responsible, intense, often suggesting irritability or impatience.

e. g. Will you lend me your pen? - What do you want it for?

Go and see him tomorrow. - What place does he live in?

3. In imperatives, firm, serious, pressing.

e. g. I can't think what to do. - Leave it entirely to me, then.

I'm afraid I've made a mistake. - Copy it out again, then.

4. In exclamations, rather emphatic.

e. g. The exams are over at last. - Isn't it wonderful!

It's my birthday today. - Many happy returns!

She refused my help. - What a strange thing to do!

Intonation Pattern III

(LOW PRE-HEAD +) LOW RISE (+ TAIL)

Before the Low Rise the low pre-head is pronounced on the same pitch level as the start of the rise. The rise in the nucleus starts from the lowest level and usually reaches the medium lev­el. If the nucleus is followed by a tail, it is pronounced on the lowest level and the syllables of the tail rise gradually.

This intonation pattern is used:

1. In statement s, not categoric, non-final, encourag­ing further conversation, reserving judgement.

e.g. Have you heard about Max? — No.

Shall we be in time? — I think so.

What do you want at the grocer's? — Tea, rice, cheese...

2.In questions:

a) In special questions (with the nuclear tone on the interrogative word), wondering, mildly puzzled.

e.g. How must I do it? — How?

She's thirty-six. — How old is she?

How old are you? — How old am I?

b)In general questions, disapproving, sceptical.

e.g. It's very important. — Is it?

We ought to follow his advice — Must we do as he says?

3. In imperatives, calmly warning, soothing.

e.g. Careful. Steady. Watch. Don't.

4. In exclamations, reserving judgement; encourag­ing further conversation; expressing calm, casual acknowledg­ment; often heard in greetings.

e.g. It's half past ten. -- Well. (We're not in a hurry.)

Here's your change. — Thank you!