combative tone

USAGE SUMMARY

"combative tone" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when someone has a confrontational manner of speaking or writing. Example sentence: "He had a noticeable combative tone in his comments during the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A more combative tone has taken hold (see article).

The Economist

The military custody fight comes as the administration is adopting a more combative tone.

The New York Times

In response on Friday, Mr. Assange was returning to a more combative tone.

The New York Times

House Republican leadership aides found some positive signals in Mr. Obama's combative tone.

The New York Times

Meg Ryan's voice gives her the slightly combative tone of a snippy, know-it-all cheerleader.

The New York Times

He was a relentless perfectionist with a combative tone that kept his staff continually on edge.

Harvard Business Review

The hearing began with a sharply combative tone before Mnuchin even began speaking.

The Washington Post

The web companies reacted strongly to the combative tone of the MPs' report.

The Guardian

The campaigns, of course, blame each other for the combative tone.

The New York Times

The prime minister cannot play with this combative tone at home without being heard abroad.

The Guardian - Opinion

Commenting on Twitter, Mark McCaughrean, senior advisor for science and exploration at the European Space Agency, struck a combative tone.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "combative tone", provide context. Explain what specific actions or words led you to identify a combative attitude.

Common error

Avoid using "combative tone" repeatedly in close proximity. Vary your language to provide a richer description of the situation. Consider using synonyms like "aggressive stance" or "confrontational attitude" to avoid monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "combative tone" functions primarily as a descriptor, modifying a subject (e.g., a person, statement, or situation) to indicate an aggressive or confrontational quality. Ludwig AI identifies it as a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "combative tone" is a prevalent descriptor, predominantly utilized in news and media to characterize situations marked by opposition and assertive language. As Ludwig AI confirms, this expression is grammatically sound, offering a direct way to pinpoint an aggressive communication style. When employing this phrase, be mindful of context and word choice, and avoid overuse by using alternative expressions such as "aggressive stance" or "antagonistic approach". Ludwig's examples reveal that while the phrase is correct, its impact is maximized with precise usage and awareness of potential negative implications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

confrontational attitude

Emphasizes the confrontational nature of the behavior.

antagonistic approach

Focuses on the actively opposing or hostile nature of the approach.

aggressive stance

Focuses more on the overall posture or attitude rather than the specific manner of expression.

hostile demeanor

Refers to outward behavior and attitude that displays animosity.

belligerent manner

Highlights the hostile and warlike aspect of the behavior.

contentious mood

Highlights the argumentative and likely disputed atmosphere.

warlike rhetoric

Specifies the use of aggressive language, particularly in a public context.

heated exchange

Focuses on the intensity and emotional nature of a discussion or argument.

abrasive style

Emphasizes the harsh and potentially irritating quality of communication.

assertive stance

Implies a strong and confident approach, though not necessarily negative.

FAQs

How can I effectively describe a "combative tone" in writing?

To effectively describe a "combative tone", focus on specific word choices, rhetorical devices, and overall demeanor of the speaker or writer. Mention examples that showcase the forceful or argumentative approach.

What are some situations where a "combative tone" might be appropriate?

A "combative tone" might be appropriate in situations like political debates, legal arguments, or when advocating for a cause against strong opposition. However, consider the audience and context to ensure it doesn't become counterproductive.

How does a "combative tone" differ from a confident or assertive tone?

A "combative tone" implies a readiness to argue or fight, often characterized by aggression. A confident or "assertive tone", while strong, focuses on expressing one's views clearly and firmly without necessarily seeking conflict.

What are some potential drawbacks of using a "combative tone"?

Using a "combative tone" can alienate your audience, escalate conflicts, and damage relationships. It may make you appear aggressive and unwilling to compromise, even if your intentions are good. Consider moderating your approach to ensure effectiveness.