Day 29: Okay

Day 29 of 30 Days of Intonation: Okay

For Day 29 of 30 Days of Intonation, we're looking at an incredibly common word:

Okay

For the second to last day of this program, let's bring extra attention to how you say "okay," ok?

With short, frequently used words like okay, you may not be paying attention to how the word sounds, especially if you often say it in your native language.

But as you've learned throughout this challenge, intonation is essential for clarity when speaking English!

This word helps us remember all the different patterns we've talked about:

  • happy intonation to engage another person in what you're talking about
  • neutral intonation to affirm or agree
  • rising intonation to check and confirm or question
  • rising intonation to show doubt or uncertainty
  • falling intonation as a thinking word before you start speaking
  • falling intonation to show disappointment or resignation
  • falling intonation to show finality, authority, impatience, or irritation

So much in one simple word! Remember, we may use “okay” with different intonation patterns than in your language. Pay attention to how the word changes so you can use it correctly!

Related Examples:

  • Yeah
  • Hmm / Mmmhmm
3 Lessons