intonation

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'intonation' is a real word used in written English.
It is used to refer to the modulation of the voice when speaking. For example: "The teacher's intonation was motivating and enthusiastic".

✓ Grammatically correct

Attention, Perception & Psychophysics

The New York Times - Magazine

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Given the common involvement of F0 in intonation and tone, the intonation and prosody literature may also be informative.

Attention, Perception & Psychophysics

"She has perfect intonation.

The New York Times - Magazine

Her intonation is great.

The New York Times - Magazine

"It's also your intonation.

The New York Times

But intonation was a problem.

The New York Times - Arts

Every intonation was the same.

The New Yorker

His intonation is nearly perfect.

The New York Times

Pitch pattern is known as intonation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Bring back "Dangerous Liaisons".

The New York Times - Arts

There were other liaisons.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Dangerous tabloid liaisons?

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pay attention to "intonation" in your speech to convey the intended emotion and meaning effectively. Vary your pitch and rhythm to engage your audience and avoid sounding monotonous.

Common error

Avoid speaking in a monotone. A lack of "intonation" can make your message sound boring and disengaged, potentially losing your audience's attention.

Linguistic Context

Intonation functions primarily as a noun, referring to the pattern of pitch changes in speech. It describes how the voice rises and falls, contributing to the meaning and emotional tone of an utterance. Ludwig confirms this usage is standard in English.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "intonation" is a noun referring to the melody of speech, conveying emotions and emphasis beyond the literal words. As indicated by Ludwig, this is standard English usage. While examples are currently limited, the analysis suggests its relevance across various registers, emphasizing its role in effective communication. Paying attention to "intonation" can greatly enhance both speaking and listening skills.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tone of voice

Focuses on the emotional quality conveyed in speech, rather than the specific pitch variations.

vocal inflection

Highlights the changes in pitch and tone to add emphasis or meaning.

speech melody

Emphasizes the musical quality of spoken language.

prosodic contour

A more technical term referring to the overall pattern of stress and intonation.

pitch variation

Directly refers to the changes in pitch during speech.

accentuation

Focuses on stressing certain syllables or words.

verbal cadence

Highlights the rhythmic flow and pattern of speech.

delivery style

Refers to the manner of speaking, including intonation.

expressive phrasing

Emphasizes the artistic use of intonation and pauses in speech.

speaking pattern

A broader term that includes intonation along with other elements of speech.

FAQs

How to use "intonation" in a sentence?

You can use "intonation" to describe the rise and fall of the voice in speech. For example, "Her "tone of voice" was flat, lacking any expressive intonation."

What does "intonation" mean?

Intonation refers to the variation of pitch when speaking, which can convey different meanings and emotions. It's a key element of "vocal expression".

What's the difference between "intonation" and accent?

"Intonation" is the melody of speech, while accent refers to the pronunciation patterns specific to a region or social group. They both contribute to how we sound, but in distinct ways. Intonation involves variations in "pitch contour", while accents involve differences in "phonetic pronunciation".

Why is "intonation" important in communication?

Intonation helps convey emotions, emphasize certain words, and signal whether a sentence is a statement or a question. Without proper intonation, the message can be misunderstood or lack impact. Listen to the speaker's "prosodic patterns" to understand their full message.