Alternative Questions

Alternative questions generally form a combined tune in speech. The most common combinations of nuclear tones in the first and the second intonation-groups are: a) Low-Rise+Fall (High, Mid, Low), b) Mid-High Rise+Fall (High, Mid, Low).

The first pattern is suitable in all kinds of situations while the second conveys a more formal attitude. By analogy with General questions we may distinguish friendly and neutral Alternative ques­tions.

When there are more than two alternatives, the combined tune contains more than two intonation-groups.

The Falling nuclear tone in the last intonation-group shows that the list of alternatives is complete:

a)Would you 'like a 'book by 'Charles Dickens | or 'would you prefer one of the modern books? I 'think I'll "take David Copperfield by Dickens.

b)Is he 'coming on 'Wednesday | or on Saturday?

Neither. He is 'quite unexpectedly detained in London.

When the list of alternatives is incomplete the last intonation-group has the same nuclear tone as the preceding one (ones) — the Mid-High Rise or a Low Rise:

Can she play the piano or the violin? (or some other musical 'instrument)

Yes, she's been 'taking 'piano lessons for 'two years already.

Note: A negative reply to an alternative question with an incomplete list of choices is "No" (not "neither").

Will you have some 'juice | or 'soda-water?

No, /thank you. I ' ve 'just had some tea.

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