Pronunciation · lesson 23 of 24 · free

Polite intonation — English pronunciation practice

The same words can sound polite or rude depending on the voice. Polite requests use “Could you…?”, “May I…?” with a voice that rises and falls gently. In a choice, the voice rises on the first choice and falls on the last; in a list, it rises on each item and falls at the end. A question tag falls when you are sure (“It’s hot, isn’t it? ↘”) and rises when you really want to know.

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How to say it

Let your voice move — “a moving voice sounds friendly; a flat voice can sound rude even with polite words”

  1. Requests: Could you…? / May I…? / Can I…? — not a flat order.
  2. Choices and lists: up on each item, down on the last — tea ↗ or coffee ↘?
  3. Tags: down when you are sure and want agreement; up when you really ask.

Use it for: Talking to teachers, shopkeepers, guests and interviewers — polite tone makes a good impression.

Worked example: Offering a choice: “Would you like tea or coffee?” On which word does your voice go down? → coffee

  1. In a choice, the voice goes up on the first choice: tea ↗.
  2. It goes down on the last choice: coffee ↘.

Check: tea ↗ or coffee ↘ ✓

▶ Watch it animated

✏️ Practice

Listen (🔊) or read, then tap your choice. Say each word aloud after you check. Stuck? Press “Show me how”.

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🏁 Lesson 23 test

20 questions. Check each answer, then go to the next one. Get 16 or more right to pass.

🏅 Sign in with Google to earn the 🫖 Polite Voice Pro badge when you pass — and a certificate when you finish all 8 lessons of Part 3 · Stress and rhythm. You can still take the test without signing in.

🖨️ Polite Intonation Worksheet

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