a strong tone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a strong tone" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a manner of speaking or writing that is assertive, confident, or forceful. Example: "The author uses a strong tone to convey the urgency of the situation in the narrative."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Mr. Gibson is a young jazz trombonist with a strong tone and great chops; he's one of the up-and-coming musicians the elder players are hopeful for.

The New York Times

The degree of obstruction and opposition to the kind of reforms which took place centuries ago in the UK is such that a strong tone is justified.

The Guardian

When a lot of jazz's younger saxophonists are backing away from the music's old requirement of a strong tone, Mr. Sánchez maintains one of the strongest; it's broad and dark, with a little gravel in it.

The New York Times - Arts

John Benitez, the Puerto Rican bassist at the center of New York's new Latin jazz scene (a music with avant-gardist tendencies and exciting, eager young players) has a strong tone and locks into good rhythm sections.

The New York Times

Mr. Gibson is a young jazz trombonist with a strong tone and great chops; he is one of the up-and-coming musicians that elder players have high hopes for.

The New York Times

(Chinen) Freddie Hendrix Quintet (Friday and Saturday) A hard-bop trumpeter with a strong tone and an alert style, Freddie Hendrix pays tribute to Miles Davis with this weekend run, leading a band with Abraham Burton on tenor saxophone, Orrin Evans on piano, Corcoran Holt on bass and Eric McPherson on drums.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Institutional Shareholder Services wrote that the phone-hacking revelations had exposed "a striking lack of stewardship and failure of independence by a board whose inability to set a strong tone-at-the-top about unethical business practices has now resulted in enormous costs - financial, legal, regulatory, reputational and opportunity - for the shareholders the board ostensibly serves".

The New York Times

"A striking lack of stewardship and failure of independence by a board whose inability to set a strong tone-at-the-top about unethical business practices has now resulted in enormous costs — financial, legal, regulatory, reputational and opportunity — for the shareholders the board ostensibly serves," the report by the proxy firm said of the phone-hacking scandal.

The New York Times

His coach took a stronger tone: "It is criminal.

The New Yorker

Even while supporting the president's approach, senior members of the administration, including Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, would like to strike a stronger tone in support of the protesters, administration officials said.

The New York Times

Journalist David Aronson took a stronger tone in accusing Rwanda for the breakdown in its relationship with the group: "[T]here's zero doubt about who broke off the relationship between the GoE and the Rwandan government.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for "a strong tone" in your writing, focus on using direct and decisive language to convey confidence and clarity.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on adverbs like 'very' or 'extremely' to create "a strong tone". Instead, choose powerful verbs and nouns that naturally convey strength and conviction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a strong tone" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It describes a particular quality or characteristic of something, whether it be a voice, writing style, or overall atmosphere. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a strong tone" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to describe assertiveness or conviction in communication. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's versatile, fitting into contexts from news and media to scientific discourse. When employing "a strong tone", it's important to balance directness with respect, avoiding overly aggressive language. Alternative phrases like "an assertive manner" or "a forceful voice" can offer similar effects. Remember, a well-calibrated "a strong tone" can greatly enhance the impact and credibility of your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an assertive manner

Focuses on the assertive quality of the delivery, rather than the specific characteristic of tone.

a forceful voice

Emphasizes the strength and power of the vocal delivery.

a commanding presence

Highlights the overall impression of authority and control.

a resolute approach

Shifts the focus to the determination and firmness of the method or strategy.

an emphatic declaration

Spotlights the clarity and decisiveness of the statement.

a persuasive style

Focuses on the ability to convince or influence.

a confident demeanor

Highlights the self-assured nature of the presentation.

a robust sound

Used primarily in the context of music or audio, referring to a full and rich quality.

a firm stance

Implies a strong and unwavering position on a particular issue.

an authoritative air

Focuses on the impression of expertise and knowledge.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a strong tone" in my writing?

Employ "a strong tone" by using assertive language, providing clear evidence, and avoiding hesitant phrasing. This conveys confidence and authority to the reader.

When is it appropriate to use "a strong tone"?

"A strong tone" is suitable when conveying conviction, asserting authority, or when the situation requires clarity and decisiveness. However, consider your audience and context to avoid being perceived as aggressive or overbearing.

What are some alternatives to using "a strong tone"?

Depending on the situation, you could use "an assertive manner", "a forceful voice", or "a commanding presence" to achieve a similar effect.

How does using "a strong tone" affect the perception of my message?

"A strong tone" can enhance the impact and credibility of your message by projecting confidence and conviction. However, it's crucial to balance strength with respect and empathy to maintain a positive rapport with your audience.