Alternative questions

 EXCLAMATORY QUESTIONS

An exclamatory question is characterised by the following:

            – They have an interrogative form

            – According to the meaning, they are an exclamatory assertion

            – They have a falling tone

There are two types of exclamatory questions according to the orientation of the question: a positive question or a negative question. However, both show a positive assertion (and they both have a falling intonation):

            A positive form indicates a positive assertion.

                        Am I hungry!

            A negative form also indicates a positive assertion.

                        Wouldn't it be lovely!

RHETORICAL QUESTIONS

Rhetorical questions have an interrogative form, but they do not demand an answer. Although they have the form of a question, they are used with the meaning of a strong assertion. Two types:

·     YES-NO rhetorical questions

   They are characterised because they have a rising intonation. They can also have a   different assertion according to the orientation of the question.

                  – A positive question has a negative assertion.

                             Is that a reason for despair?

                  – A negative question has a positive assertion.

                             Haven't you got anything better to do?

·    WH- rhetorical questions

They are characterised because they have a rise-fall tone or falling tone. They can also  have a different assertion according to the orientation of the question.

                        – A positive question has a negative assertion. It is equivalent to a statement in                           which the wh- element is replaced by a negative element. (Rising intonation)

                                   What SHOULD I do?      (There is nothing that I should do)

                                   Who KNOWS?      (Nobody knows)

ECHO QUESTIONS

Echo questions repeat part of what has been said. They do not have interrogative form, but they have a rise-fall tone. They are used in two main situations:

1.      When the speaker wants to show interpersonal involvement.

                        – I had to do three exams

                        – Three exams?

2.      For confirmation or clarification.

                        – Take a look at this

                        – A look at what?

Echo exclamations are also possible:

            – I'm going to London

            – To London!