Direct address

Direct address is a word or a group of words used to address a person or a group of people.

e.g. How are you, Harry?

The intonation of a direct address depends on its position in the sentence and on the speaker’s attitude.

At the beginning of a sentence, a direct address is always stressed and forms a separate sense-group which is pronounced with the Low Fall (in formal or serious speech)or with the Fall-Rise 9in informal, lively speech.)

e.g. Robert, you must think carefully before re fusing the offer.

Dad, will you mend my bike?

In the medial or final position, a direct address is usually unstressed and does not form a separate sense-group; it continues the melody of the last stressed syllable.

e.g. I beg your pardon, sir, it’s not my fault.

In emphatic speech, however, a direct address may take the rise of the Fall-Rise.

e.g. Get out of the pool at once, Peter!

Practice:

A.

1. Victor, you can’t go there alone.

2. Don’t lose heart, old boy!

3. Will you give me that newspaper, Tom?

4. Ladies and gentlemen, let me introduce Mr. King to you.

5. Will you. Bill, answer my question?

6. You know, Lorna, let’s speak about it some other time.

7. Nelly, where are you?

8. You needn’t go into so much trouble, Mrs. Bellows.

B.

1/ I don’t know Mr. Smith.

I don’t know, Mr. Smith.

2/ He doesn’t remember John.

He doesn’t remember, John.

3/ Have you forgotten dear old tom?

Have you forgotten, dear old Tom?

4/ Can you hear Helen?

Can you hear, Helen?