Conversational
Language (#13):
Informal Variations on
"Yes"
In
conversational American
English, several variations
on
"Yes" are commonly heard:
Yeah
This casual equivalent of
"Yes" is usually pronounced
with the same vowel
as in "how" and "cow." It is
sometimes
pronounced "yaeh"
(with the vowel
sound
of "hat") or
"yeh" (with the vowel sound of
"get").
Uh-huh
In this variation, the vowel
sound in both syllables is the
same as the
vowel sound in
"but" or "hug."
Note: The "h" at the beginning
of the second syllable
is very
important.
Without
it, people would
understand
"No" instead of "Yes."
Um-hmm
In this variation, be sure
to
pronounce the "h" at the
beginning of the second syllable. Without the "h,"
people
would probably understand "No"
instead of
"Yes."
Yep
This variation is very casual.
It rhymes with "step."
________________________________________________
Special Notes:
| 1. |
|
The variations on "Yes" which are
shown
above are appropriate
and commonly heard
in casual, very
friendly conversation but are
not
normally
written
(except in very informal
letters, comics,
etc.) |
| |
|
|
| 2. |
|
"Yeah" and "Yep" are particularly
casual.
It's
fine to use these
variations in very relaxed
conversations
with
friends, but
they should
not be used when polite
language is appropriate.
In polite
situations,
"Yeah" and "Yep"
would
seem
too casual and even disrespectful. |
| |
|
|
| 3. |
|
"Yes" can also be shown by using a
gesture--
not words. You can show "Yes" by nodding
your head--moving
it up and down as you
look straight
ahead. |
|
