A hostile tone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "A hostile tone" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a manner of speaking or writing that is aggressive, unfriendly, or antagonistic. Example: "The email was filled with a hostile tone, making it clear that the sender was upset about the situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

A hostile tone towards private schools, Ms Tuck noted, leaves those who run them feeling "slightly immoral .Although they educate only 7% of the school population (double that in sixth-forms and in London) fee-paying schools have long aroused antipathy.

The Economist

And many of these outlets have taken a hostile tone to the Ms Sedrine's commission.

Independent

"The e-mails had a hostile tone to them," the complaint said.

The New York Times

"Natasha said he spoke to her very aggressively, in a hostile tone, and periodically broke into screaming," a colleague, Yekaterina Sokiryanskaya, told the court this month.

The New York Times

He adopted a hostile tone towards overseas interests, tearing up contracts with some foreign utilities firms, and refusing to speak with the US Ambassador to Buenos Aires for almost four years.

Independent

She said, 'Excuse me?' and he said, 'You're only 15, COVER YOURSELF!' in a hostile tone".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

But in Washington, some discussions have taken a more hostile tone as the Justice Department faces scrutiny for not indicting HSBC.

The New York Times

He adopted a fairly hostile tone towards the Lib Dems (see 1.45pm) and rejected the IFS findings, but otherwise I couldn't spot a news line.

The Guardian

She said the Delhi press pack had expected to hear something warmer, and were surprised by what felt like a somewhat hostile tone.

The Guardian

The Chinese have said that they expect Mr. Bush, despite a sometimes hostile tone, to discover the same advantages his predecessors did in cooperating with China.

The New York Times

And now that message has taken a dangerous, hostile tone and the focus is one of the most eloquent and classy candidates for President in some time.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing interactions, use "a hostile tone" to accurately convey the presence of antagonism and negativity in communication.

Common error

Be careful not to use "a hostile tone" when a situation simply involves disagreement or firm negotiation. Ensure genuine antagonism is present before using this phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a hostile tone" functions as a descriptor, typically modifying a verb related to communication (e.g., 'spoke in a hostile tone'). It indicates the manner in which something is expressed or communicated. As Ludwig AI suggests, this phrase is usable in written English to signal an aggressive or unfriendly demeanor.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a hostile tone" serves as a descriptor, denoting the presence of antagonism or unfriendliness in communication. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase in English. The analysis reveals that it is most commonly found in News & Media, Wiki, and Science contexts, suggesting its versatility across different forms of writing. While there are no specific guidelines on when NOT to use the phrase, be cautious about overusing it or misinterpreting subtlety for genuine antagonism. Related alternatives such as "an aggressive manner" or "a confrontational attitude" can add nuance and variety to your writing, so it's valuable to have them in mind.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an antagonistic attitude

Highlights the active opposition or hostility.

an aggressive manner

Focuses on the outward behavior rather than the underlying feeling.

a confrontational attitude

Highlights the tendency to engage in arguments.

an unfriendly approach

Emphasizes the lack of warmth and openness.

a belligerent voice

Specifically refers to the aggressive quality of the voice.

a bitter sentiment

Emphasizes the feeling of resentment and negativity.

a vitriolic style

Refers to a harsh and caustic writing or speaking style.

a truculent demeanor

Highlights a stubbornly defiant and aggressive manner.

a resentful disposition

Focuses on the underlying feeling of indignation and displeasure.

a contentious atmosphere

Highlights the presence of disagreement and argument.

FAQs

How can I effectively describe a conversation filled with "a hostile tone"?

To effectively describe a conversation filled with "a hostile tone", focus on specific behaviors like raised voices, accusatory language, and dismissive gestures. You can also use adverbs to intensify the tone, such as 'speaking aggressively in "a hostile tone"'.

What are some synonyms for "a hostile tone" that I can use to add variety to my writing?

Instead of "a hostile tone", you can use alternatives such as "an aggressive manner", "a confrontational attitude", or "an unfriendly approach". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a hostile tone" in formal writing, and what are the alternatives?

While "a hostile tone" can be accurate, in formal writing, consider alternatives like "an antagonistic attitude" or "a contentious atmosphere" to maintain a professional distance while still conveying the negativity.

How does "a hostile tone" differ from other negative emotional expressions like anger or frustration?

"A hostile tone" specifically indicates antagonism and unfriendliness in communication, whereas anger and frustration are broader emotional states. You can express anger without adopting "a hostile tone"; hostility implies a deliberate intent to oppose or harm.