hostile tone

USAGE SUMMARY

"hostile tone" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You might use it to describe someone's speech or writing, such as, "His response to her email was written in a hostile tone."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

Still, the book's relentlessly hostile tone undermines the authors' case.

The New York Times - Books

"The yelling, the hostile tone and what they were saying".

The New York Times

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

It is also the hostile tone that he and others perceived.

The New York Times

On Wednesday Merkel urged politicians across the house to rein in the hostile tone of the debate over refugees.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

The leaking of the tests comes at a pivotal time in education around the nation, as forces for and against the Common Core and testing face off in increasingly hostile tones.

The New York Times

The first section ends with a brief solo for Ms. Costello; after a blackout, the second section has Ms. Dignan and Ms. Vitrano verbally instructing the other two, offering contradictory choreographic suggestions in increasingly hostile tones.

The New York Times - Arts

At campaign stops, Democratic candidates are frequently asked, often in hostile tones, what they are going to do about the influx of immigrants, mainly from Mexico and Central America, that are streaming into Iowa and changing the culture, and potentially, the political landscape of this early nominating state.

The New York Times

But yesterday's rally was not as hostile in tone as some others that have taken place over the last year to protest the Diallo shooting.

The New York Times

B6 NEW CALL TO ARMS -- Osama bin Laden's televised speech, his fourth call for holy war, was more hostile in tone and ambitious in its goals than his previous three appeals.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing interactions, use "hostile tone" to objectively characterize the way someone speaks or writes without necessarily judging their underlying intent. For example, "Despite the disagreement, the lawyer maintained a professional, though "hostile tone", during the negotiation."

Common error

Avoid assuming that a "hostile tone" automatically implies malicious intent. While a "hostile tone" can indicate aggression, it might also stem from frustration, stress, or cultural differences. Be careful to consider the broader context before drawing conclusions about a person's motivations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hostile tone" functions as a descriptor, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a specific quality or characteristic. It describes the manner in which something is communicated, whether verbally or in writing. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Science

4%

Academia

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "hostile tone" is a commonly used and grammatically sound way to describe communication that exhibits antagonism or unfriendliness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and functional part of the English language. Predominantly found in news and media sources, its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal contexts. While it’s important to objectively describe the communication style, avoid automatically equating a "hostile tone" with hostile intent, considering that it could also stem from other factors such as frustration or stress. Alternative expressions like "aggressive attitude" or "antagonistic manner" may provide nuanced ways to convey similar meanings, depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

antagonistic manner

Emphasizes a deliberate opposition or conflict.

confrontational style

Suggests a direct and often combative way of interacting.

aggressive attitude

Focuses more on the underlying disposition rather than just the way something is said.

abrasive communication

Points to a style that is harsh and off-putting.

belligerent approach

Highlights a readiness to argue or fight.

bitter language

Highlights the use of words expressing resentment or cynicism.

unfriendly demeanor

Focuses on the overall behavior and appearance.

vitriolic expression

Emphasizes a caustic and harshly critical way of conveying thoughts.

negative disposition

Highlights an inclination towards pessimism and opposition.

acerbity

A more concise and formal way to describe sharpness or bitterness of speech.

FAQs

How can I recognize a "hostile tone" in communication?

A "hostile tone" often involves aggressive language, raised voice, sarcasm, direct accusations, or an overall unfriendly and confrontational style. These elements can create a sense of tension and unease.

What are some synonyms for "hostile tone"?

Alternatives for "hostile tone" include "aggressive attitude", "antagonistic manner", or "confrontational style", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use the phrase "hostile tone" in formal writing?

Yes, "hostile tone" is appropriate for formal writing when you need to objectively describe the manner of communication. It is commonly used in news reports, academic analyses, and professional documents.

What's the difference between "hostile tone" and "aggressive tone"?

While "hostile tone" and "aggressive tone" are similar, "hostile" often implies a more sustained or deeply rooted antagonism. "Aggressive" can describe a more immediate or situational assertiveness that may not necessarily be hostile in nature.