Use rising and falling intonation to signal yes/no questions, wh-questions, and attitudes.
Yes/no questions often rise at the end; wh-questions often fall.
Do not rely only on intonation; grammar and context still matter.
Is the speaker asking for confirmation (often rising) or information (often falling)?
💡 Intonation patterns vary by region and emotion. Many learners overuse rising intonation, which can sound like constant uncertainty. British vs US note: both varieties use rising and falling patterns, but the typical pitch range and conversational style can differ; focus on copying a UK or US model consistently for the situations you need most.
✓Are you READY? (often rising at the end)
✗Are you READY. (flat)
A rise can signal a genuine yes/no question.
✓Where are you GOing? (often falling)
Wh-questions often end with a fall when asking for information.
✓You finished already? (rising, surprised/checking)
Rising intonation can turn a statement into a checking question.