changed its tone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "changed its tone" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a shift in attitude, mood, or manner of expression in communication or behavior. Example: "After the initial discussion, the speaker changed its tone, becoming more conciliatory and understanding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

But it changed its tone after Chinese investigators raided Glaxo offices in Shanghai, detained four executives and went public with unusual detail about practices they said they had uncovered.

The New York Times

The pope's interview did not change church doctrine or policies, but it instantly changed its tone.

The New York Times

Fox News has notably changed its tone since the election.

The New Yorker

North Korea, however, has changed its tone in recent weeks.

The New York Times

Ten days later, the Fed significantly changed its tone.

The New York Times

Even so, the peace initiative of Sir Edward Grey, Britain's foreign secretary, came close to success; but the Kaiser wanted war.The British Foreign Office had changed its tone since the 1890s from suspicion of France and Russia to suspicion of Germany.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

HS2 has commanded cross-party support from its inception but Labour appeared to change its tone recently, saying it would not give the project a "blank cheque".

BBC

Just imagine, every five years, always coming up to a general election, the board of government appointees demanding the BBC change its tone, alter its stance, be careful of what it says, as it covers the election.

The Guardian - Opinion

The hierarchy should also change its tone.

The New York Times

The Party's plans to change its tone did not last long.

The New Yorker

After he insisted Altan's team change its tone, relations between them broke down.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "changed its tone", ensure the context clearly indicates what prompted the shift. Providing specifics enhances the impact and credibility of your statement.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that something "changed its tone" without describing how the tone shifted. Be specific: Did it become more conciliatory? More aggressive? More formal? The clearer you are, the more effective your writing will be.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "changed its tone" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as the predicate of a sentence. It describes an action of modification or alteration in the manner of expression. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "changed its tone" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase that describes a shift in attitude or style. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and common usage. It's most often encountered in news and media contexts, indicating a deliberate or unintentional adjustment in communication. For effective writing, specify the nature of the tonal shift. Alternatives include "altered its stance" or "modified its approach".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

altered its stance

Indicates a shift in position or opinion, similar to changing tone but focusing more on the intellectual or ideological aspect.

modified its approach

Highlights a change in method or strategy, which can influence the overall tone.

adjusted its attitude

Focuses specifically on a change in mindset or emotional disposition.

softened its rhetoric

Specifically refers to a moderation in the way something is expressed, particularly in persuasive communication.

adopted a different tack

Implies a shift in strategy or course of action, often leading to a change in tone.

shifted its emphasis

Indicates a change in focus, which can affect the overall tone of communication.

revised its message

Suggests a change in the content or form of a communication, potentially altering its tone.

modulated its language

Highlights a fine-tuning of the specific words and expressions used, affecting the overall tone.

tempered its remarks

Indicates a moderation of comments or statements, resulting in a less harsh or aggressive tone.

recalibrated its communication

Implies a strategic adjustment of communication methods to achieve a desired tone or effect.

FAQs

What does it mean to say something "changed its tone"?

Saying something "changed its tone" means that its attitude, style, or manner of expression has shifted. This can involve becoming more or less formal, aggressive, friendly, or serious, depending on the context.

How can I use "changed its tone" in a sentence?

You might say, "After the initial criticism, the company "changed its tone", adopting a more apologetic approach".

What are some alternatives to "changed its tone"?

Alternatives include "altered its stance", "modified its approach", or "adjusted its attitude". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always obvious when something has "changed its tone"?

Not necessarily. A shift in tone can be subtle and may require careful attention to the language, body language, or other cues being used. Sometimes, it's a deliberate strategy; other times, it's an unconscious reaction.