What is the term for an intonation pattern that signals information is already known?

• A. Referring tone
• B. Rising intonation
• C. Falling intonation
• D. Contrastive tone

Answer: (A)

When information is already known to the listener, speakers often use a referring tone to signal that it’s given rather than new. This intonation pattern points back to something established in the discourse, helping the listener connect the current utterance to prior context without needing repetition. It keeps cohesion by indicating that the referent is identifiable from what has already been said.

Rising intonation typically marks a question or a request for confirmation, not givenness. Falling intonation tends to convey a definitive statement or end-of-phrase closure, not specifically that the information is known. Contrastive tone highlights differences with another item, rather than signaling that the information is given. So the referring tone best fits the idea of signaling known information.