Intonation

Intonation: the melody of English

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Intonation is all about focus. It means that the sounds (pitch) of the voice rises and falls according to certain signals, for example surprise or confusion. The correct intonation will make communication clearer.

Intonation problems

Some speakers of English struggle with intonation. Some common problems include sounding flat or monotone, or changing pitch at the wrong time.

statementsquestionschoicesagreementsurprise
Statments have a falling intonation.
  • He is a student.⇣
Yes-No questions have a rising intonation.
  • Do you drink coffee?⇡
WH-questions have a falling intonation.
  • What time is it?⇣
  • Where are you going?⇣
Note: In spoken English, intonation can represent grammatical forms, such as a question. For example, the helping verb may be omitted in the following question:
  • (Do) You like rugby?⇡
A statement expressing choice has a falling intonation.
  • Do you want to hike or swim?⇣

    I want to swim.⇣

Statments expressing agreement have rising intonation.
  • Learning English is hard.

    You're right, it IS⇡ hard.

Statements or questions showing surprise have a rising intonation.
  • I don't watch TV.

    You don't watch TV?⇡

  • I failed chemistry.

    You failed chemestry?⇡

Practice listening to the intonation of spoken English. Over time, you’ll be able to identify meaning just by the speakers’ changes in pitch.

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