belligerent tone

USAGE SUMMARY

"belligerent tone" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when someone is speaking with a tone that is hostile and aggressive. For example, "John was talking in a belligerent tone, causing the other people in the room to become uncomfortable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

Many predict a more belligerent tone.

The Economist

Gove says Twigg was the one taking a belligerent tone.

The Guardian

If Gove takes a less belligerent tone, people will work with him, he says.

The Guardian

He may avoid Mr Putin's belligerent tone, but there is no sign of the Kremlin becoming friendlier to the West.

The Economist

She avoided the belligerent tone, and some of the ­damaging populist posturing, of some of her predecessors.

The Guardian

He said he did not want to jump to conclusions about the belligerent tone of Iraq's message.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

In more belligerent tones, the party also warned Pakistan to halt its support to militants in Kashmir, although Pakistan denies giving such support.

The New York Times

In the present crisis, India has packed its portion of the divided Kashmir region with an estimated 700,000 troops, and has spoken in ever more belligerent tones about punishing Pakistan for backing an armed insurgency there.

The New York Times

Early editions of the Mass Games were, by all accounts, far more belligerent in tone.

Vice

As Iran's nuclear negotiator, Larijani chafed against Ahmadinejad's belligerent international tone, which he complained undermined his talks with European leaders and international arms inspectors.

Los Angeles Times

Turkey has accumulated significant foreign debt, the Turkish lira has lost 20percentt of its value and direct foreign investment has plunged as investors have been scared off by the president's increasingly belligerent and anti-Western tone.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "belligerent tone" to describe spoken or written communication that is overtly aggressive and hostile. Ensure the context supports this strong characterization.

Common error

Avoid using "belligerent tone" when a milder term like "assertive" or "firm" would be more appropriate. "Belligerent" implies a strong degree of hostility that may not always be intended or accurate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "belligerent tone" functions as a descriptive term, modifying a noun to indicate a quality or characteristic. It describes the manner in which something is communicated, denoting hostility and aggressiveness. Ludwig AI validates this structure and usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "belligerent tone" is used to describe a manner of communication that is aggressive, hostile, and confrontational. Ludwig's analysis, supported by numerous examples in News & Media sources, shows that it is grammatically correct and commonly employed to characterize discourse. When using the phrase, be aware of its strong connotation and ensure it accurately reflects the situation. Alternatives such as "aggressive tone" or "hostile tone" may be more appropriate in contexts where the level of aggression is less severe. According to Ludwig AI, the term is proper and suitable for diverse writing needs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

aggressive tone

Replaces "belligerent" with a more common synonym, maintaining a similar level of intensity.

hostile tone

Emphasizes the antagonistic nature of the tone.

combative tone

Highlights the readiness to argue or fight implied in the tone.

warlike tone

Draws a stronger parallel to the atmosphere of war.

antagonistic tone

Focuses on the opposition and friction conveyed by the tone.

threatening tone

Highlights the potential for harm or intimidation in the tone.

truculent tone

Uses a more formal synonym for belligerent, suggesting a fierce and defiant quality.

pugnacious tone

Implies a readiness to fight or argue, often in a physical way.

bellicose tone

Similar to warlike, but emphasizes the inclination to start a war.

aggressive manner

Shifts the focus from tone to overall behavior but keeps a high similarity with the query's meaning.

FAQs

What does "belligerent tone" mean?

A "belligerent tone" indicates a manner of speaking or writing that is aggressive, hostile, and ready to argue or fight. It suggests a confrontational approach in communication.

How can I use "belligerent tone" in a sentence?

You can say, "The negotiator adopted a "belligerent tone" during the discussion, making it difficult to reach an agreement".

What are some alternatives to "belligerent tone"?

Alternatives include "aggressive tone", "hostile tone", or "combative tone", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to describe someone's tone as "belligerent"?

Yes, if their communication is genuinely aggressive and confrontational. However, be mindful of the impact of this strong adjective, as it can be perceived as judgmental. If the intent is to sound impartial, consider using less aggressive words, such as "assertive tone".