Intonation of enumeration

In sentences with enumeration every enumerated word is pronounced with the rising tone, except for the last one which is pronounced with the falling tone.

e.g. There are many  theatres,  cinemas,  museums  and  libraries here.

Intonation of adverbials

Adverbial phrases at the beginning of the sentence form a separate sense-group and are pronounced with the rising tone (as the non-final sense-group).

e.g. In front of the  house  there is a green  lawn.

Adverbial phrases at the end of sentences do not form a separate sense-group, as a rule, and often remain unstressed.

e.g. We are going  out tonight.

Intonation of parentheses

Intonation of parenthetical words and phrases depends on their position in the sentence and the degree of semantic independence and importance attached to them. These words and phrases are often used in order to gain time while the speaker is framing out his remark or they show the speaker’s attitude (supposition, certainty, satisfaction, etc.). As a rule, at the beginning of the sentence parenthetical words and phrases form a separate sense-group and are generally pronounced with the rising tone.

e.g. To tell you the  truth  I don’t want to go there.  Well  I  do.

They are pronounced with the falling tone or falling-rising tones if we want to attach more importance to them.

e.g. By the  way, I hear you are going abroad this summer.

When the speaker doesn’t attach any importance to the parenthetical words and phrases at all, they do not form a separate sense-group and are often unstressed.

e.g. Well, I  do.Well, let’s ask the  others.

In the middle or at the end of the sentence parenthetical words and phrases do not often form a separate sense-group and continue the melody of the preceding sense-group (being a sense-group or half-stressed).

e.g. You  know, of course,  he’s my  brother. 

I’m not good at  languages, you know.

Intonation of direct address

Intonation of direct address depends on its position in the sentence and on the style of speech. At the beginning of the sentence direct address forms a separate group, it is stressed and is pronounced with the falling tone in formal serious speech.

e.g. Ladies and gentlemen,  we must discuss an important  problem today. 

It is pronounced with the falling-rising tone to attract the listener’s attention or in a friendly conversation.

e.g. Mary, come  here.

In the middle or at the end of the sentence direct address does not form a separate sense-group and continues the melody of the previous sense-group (being unstressed or half- stressed). Sometimes it may be pronounced with the low-rising tone, e.g. That’s all  right, darling.Good  morning, Mrs  Wood.

Intonation of “please”

Intonation of “please” depends on its position in the sentence. At the beginning of the sentence it is stressed but, as a rule, it doesn’t form a separate sense-group.

e.g. Please, repeat the nouns three  times.

In the middle of the sentence “please” can be stressed or unstressed and it doesn’t form a separate sense-group.

e.g. Will you please switch on the  tape-recorder?

At the end of the sentence “please” is unstressed, it doesn’t form a separate sense-group and is pronounced with the melody of the previous group.

e.g. Will you read  louder, please?