Intonation is the rise and fall of your voice while speaking. Even if your grammar is correct, wrong intonation can change your meaning or make you sound rude, bored, or confused.
Examples:- You’re coming today. (falling tone = statement)
- You’re coming today? (rising tone = question/surprise)
- Really. (flat tone = no interest)
- Reaally? (rising tone = curiosity or surprise)
Why it matters:
Intonation shows emotions, attitudes, and intentions. It makes your speech lively and helps listeners understand how you feel—not just what you say.
👉 Same words, different tone = completely different message.
AUTHOR
Dr L Suresh
Assistant Professor of English
Sri Ramakrishna Mission Vidyalaya College of Arts and Science
Coimbatore - 641020
Contact: 9944138137
e-mail ID: sureshenglit@rmv.ac.in
