Universidad Nacional Bachillerato en la Enseñanza del Inglés

Pronunciación Vocales Prof. M.A. Lindsay Chaves

Prosodic Elements

Intonation in English

1. Falling pitch

 Declarative sentences:

 Mary has breakfast every morning.

 He doesn’t have any brothers.

 Information questions:

 Wh- questions

 Where do you live?

 Two choice questions:

 Would you like cake or pie?

2. Rising pitch

 Yes/No questions:

 Do you like bananas?

 Is she your mom?

Universidad Nacional Bachillerato en la Enseñanza del Inglés
Pronunciación Vocales Prof. M.A. Lindsay Chaves
Prosodic Elements

 Expressing doubt/uncertainty:

 She likes dogs. (Stated as a fact; declarative sentence)

 She likes dogs. (stated with disbelief/doubt)

3. Unfinished ideas

Keep your voice level when you haven’t finished an idea; otherwise,

the listener will think you’re done with your statement. Once you finish your

thought group, use the necessary intonation pattern -falling or rising-.

 Declarative sentences with two or more phrases:

 They must buy shoes , shirts , and ties.

 Yes/No questions with two or more phrases:

 Will you stay if I go?

 Questions presenting two or more choices:

 Would you like coffee or tea?

Look at the following examples: