Intermediate 🎯 Pronunciation & Mistakes · #88 of 111

Sound: Sentence-Final Intonation

Falling tone for statements; rising for yes/no questions.

Examples

  • You live here. ↘ Do you live here? ↗

Key rules

  • A falling tone usually ends statements and wh- questions
  • A rising tone usually ends yes/no questions
  • Using the wrong tone can make a statement sound like a question

Common mistakes

  • You live here. (rising) → You live here. (falling)
  • Do you live here? (falling) → Do you live here? (rising)

Use cases

  • Speaking in conversation
  • Asking and answering questions
  • Listening exercises
💡 Tip: Read a statement, then a yes/no question, and mark the tone at the end of each.
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Related Intermediate topics

See all Intermediate pronunciation & mistakes lessons →

Intonation in Questions

Rising for yes/no; falling for wh-.

Connected Speech and Linking

Words blend in natural speech.

The Schwa Sound

The most common English vowel.

Weak Forms

Function words reduced in speech.

Minimal Pairs

Words differing by one sound.

TH Sounds

Voiced and unvoiced th.