Pattern 1. LOW FALL ONLY

Statements:

1. Can you come tomorrow? No.

2. Whose book is this? Mine.

Special questions:

1. You must ask for them now. Why?

2. He simply must go. When?

Commands:

1. I’ll send it to him. Don’t.

2. What do you advise me to do? Go.

Exclamations:

1. He’s just arrived. Oh.

2. Here’s your sweater. Thanks.

 

 

Pattern 2. LOW FALL + TAIL

 

Statements:

1. What’s your name? Johnson.

2. Who is running the music club this year? Peter’s going to run it.

Special questions:

1. Someone’s bound to have one. Who exactly?

2. He says he is coming. Why is he coming?

General questions:

1. He’s forgotten to shut the gate. Isn’t he stupid?

2. What a very nice house! Yes, isn’t it?

3. I rather like Mary. Very pleasant, isn’t she?

Commands:

1. What shall I do with this rubbish? Burn it.

2. Watch me juggle with these plates. Now, look what you’ve done.

Exclamations:

1. Would you like an apple? Thank you.

2. Oh, I’m cold. Nonsense.

 

Pattern 3. LOW PRE-HEAD + LOW FALL + TAIL

Statements:

1. What is your job? I’m a shop assistant.

2. Where did you go to school? Well, I was at a number of schools.

Special questions:

1. Someone’ll have to do it. But who?

2. I’ve said I’ll meet you. Yes, but where?

General questions:

1. I’ve got so many things to do. Can I help you at all?

2. Thank you for your offer. Will it help, do you think?

Commands:

1. May I borrow this poem? Yes, do.

2. I can’t tell you now. Then phone me about it.

Exclamations:

1. Did you lock the back door? Of course.

2. I’m afraid I’ve got a cold. No wonder.

Pattern 4. (LOW PRE-HEAD) + LOW HEAD + LOW FALL + (TAIL)

Statements:

1. What would you like for dinner? I don’t know.

2. What’s that tray made of? It’s made of a sort of plastic.

Special questions:

1. Which road shall we take? Which is the quicker?

2. I’m afraid I’ve lost your pen. What are you going to do about it?

General questions:

1. I don’t feel like drinking beer. Would you care for a whisky then?

2. I don’t know what to tell Jean. Need we tell her anything?

Commands:

1. Thank you so much. Don’t mention it.

Exclamations:

1. It was very kind of you. Not in the least.

2. I’m very pleased with you. So you ought to be.

TONE-GROUP 2

 

Attitude:

in statements: categoric, considered, judicial, weighty, dispassionate, more emphatic and more ponderous sounding than when said with TONE-GROUP 1. This dispassionateness often shades into withdrawal and impatience;

in special questions: searching, serious, intense, responsible, often suggesting impatience or irritability;

in general questions: more intent and more ponderous than said with TONE-GROUP 1;

in commands: firm, serious, considered, weighty, pressing, dispassionate, often a ring of impatience;

in interjections: very weighty and emphatic.

 

 

Pattern 1. STEPPING HEAD + LOW FALL + TAIL

Statements:

1. Isn’t she very bright? Mad as a hatter.

2. Is it easy? Not so easy as you might think.

Special questions:

1. I’m afraid I can’t do it. Can’t do what?

2. What is she saying? How can I hear when you are making so much noise?

General questions:

1. It’ll be very exciting. Will you stick to the point?

2. He’s two hours late again. Isn’t he just the sort of person to drive you mad?

Commands:

1. What do you think you are doing? Mind your own business.

2. What do you want me to do? Read the § beginning at the bottom of the next page but one.

Exclamations:

1. Here I am at last. Welcome back. Welcome to England.

2. Isn’t it mild today? What a difference from this time last week.

3. Why did he run away? I haven’t the slightest idea.

 

 

Pattern 2. LOW PRE-HEAD + STEPPING HEAD + LOW FALL (+TAIL)

 

Statements:

1. Where is that book of mine? I’ve put it away in the dining-room cupboard.

Special questions:

1. Will you help? How could I possibly refuse?

2. Oh, for a bit of quiet. When will they stop making that dreadful din?

General questions:

1. It’s quite an interesting idea. Would you say it’s a practical proposition?

2. We’ve both got the same answer. Now isn’t that peculiar?

3. Do you remember our walk in Epping Forest? What a beautiful day, wasn’t it?

Commands:

1. We’ll be there in no time. Now take it slowly.

2. It’s not much of a risk. Well, don’t say I didn’t warn you.

3. How shall I make my peace? Give the girl the most expensive meal you can afford.

Exclamations:

1. I made rather a mess of it. I should just think you did.

2. Here’s a pen you lost. Thank you very much indeed.

3. I haven’t seen you for ages. And imagine us meeting here of all places.

 

Pattern 3. HIGH PRE-HEAD

Statements:

1. I’ll fetch you in the car. That is good of you.

Special questions:

1.You want do it that way. Well, how then?

2.What did you say the address was? How many more times d’you want telling?

General questions:

I. Well, he says he needs it. Yes, but does he, in all honesty?

2. We can’t leave yet. It’s raining. Now isn’t that infuriating?

Commands:

1. I don’t want your help. Do it yourself then.

Exclamations:

1. He just shouted me down. The brute.

2. Hello, Jack. Good evening, Mr. Dean.

TONE-GROUP 3

 

Attitude:

in statements: conveying personal concern or involvement, likely interested, more airy and lighter in mood than when said with TONE-GROUP 1 and 2 (with low head querulous);

in special questions: lively, interested (with low head), somewhat unpleasantly surprised;

in general questions:mildly surprised acceptance of the listener’s premises, willing to discuss though sometimes impatient that such discussion should be necessary;

in imperatives: sounding warm;

in exclamations: very emotional.