Question

Falling intonation is commonly used for ____.

• A. Yes/no questions
• B. Commands, statements, and WH-questions
• C. Lists and unfinished thoughts
• D. Expressions of doubt

Answer 1

Answer:

B. Commands, statements, and WH-questions

Understanding Falling Intonation

• Falling intonation refers to the pitch of the voice dropping at the end of a phrase or sentence.
• It signals a sense of finality, completion, certainty, or seriousness in speech.
• This type of intonation is fundamental in English phonetics and plays a crucial role in conveying meaning and speaker intent.

Common Uses of Falling Intonation

• Commands (Imperatives): When issuing a command or instruction, falling intonation is used to convey authority and directness.
  • Example: "Stop that!" or "Close the door."
• Statements (Declarative Sentences): Falling intonation is typically used at the end of affirmative or negative statements to indicate that the speaker has finished their thought and is conveying information.
  • Example: "The sun rises in the east." or "I am going home."
• WH-questions: Questions that begin with 'who,' 'what,' 'where,' 'when,' 'why,' 'which,' and 'how' (information questions) almost always use falling intonation. This signals that the speaker is seeking specific information.
  • Example: "Where is the nearest bank?" or "What time did you arrive?"
• Exclamations: Strong exclamations also often use falling intonation to express strong feelings or surprise.
  • Example: "What a lovely day!" or "That's amazing!"
• End of Phrases/Sentences in General: In most conversational contexts, a falling intonation marks the end of a thought unit, indicating that the speaker is concluding their turn or a specific point.

Contrast with Rising Intonation

• In contrast, rising intonation (pitch goes up at the end) is commonly used for yes/no questions, indicating uncertainty, or encouraging continuation of a conversation.
• Understanding the distinction between falling and rising intonation is vital for effective communication and for competitive exams on phonetics and spoken English.