indifferent tone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "indifferent tone" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a manner of speaking or writing that shows a lack of interest or concern about the subject matter. Example: "Her indifferent tone made it clear that she was not invested in the conversation."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Make contributions, but say them in indifferent tones.

WikiHow

John McCain repeated the shining city line, though in a rote tone, in an indifferent speech.

The New Yorker

("Foolish concocting, indifferent acting, slow pacing and uncertain toning," Times arts editor Charles Champlin wrote of the film in 1976).

Los Angeles Times

." His eyes narrowed, but his tone, far from being intense, was indifferent, dully objective, as though he were discussing some character in a play — a part he was weary of portraying yet was trapped in by contract.

The New Yorker

The purpose of "King of Bain" is to portray Romney as a heartless, tone-deaf destroyer of jobs who is indifferent to the human cost of the recent economic upheaval in heartland American communities.

The New Yorker

Why his tone of indignation, as if everyone else were sitting around comfortably, indifferent to Stalin's crimes, and he alone remembered?

The New Yorker

With the tone of a distant if kindly uncle, Mr Putin wrote: "We are by no means indifferent to developments in united Europe".

The New York Times

The 90s had Tony Blair's two pals: Mondeo Man and Worcester Woman: each a family-lovin' politics-indifferent nimby shaking off their working-class roots for the more anodyne middle-class frame of mind in which Tone specialised.

Vice

Others were indifferent.

The Economist

"The governments are indifferent.

The New York Times

Good, bad, indifferent.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "indifferent tone" to precisely describe a speaker or writer's lack of interest or concern in the subject matter. It can be used when analyzing character portrayals in literature, evaluating political rhetoric, or describing interpersonal interactions.

Common error

Be mindful that using an "indifferent tone" may be interpreted as uncaring or dismissive. While objectivity is often valued, ensure the context doesn't require empathy or concern. "Indifferent tone" is best suited when detachment is appropriate, such as in certain types of reporting or analysis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "indifferent tone" functions as a descriptor, modifying a noun to indicate the character of a voice, speech or written piece. It illustrates a lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern. As Ludwig AI states, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "indifferent tone" is grammatically sound and employed to depict a lack of enthusiasm or care in speech or writing. Though Ludwig AI validates its correctness, instances of its usage are scarce. Alternatives such as "unconcerned tone" or "apathetic tone", can be considered based on context. While describing character traits, literary analysis, or even political rhetoric, ensure that the "indifferent tone" aligns with the intended message of neutrality, instead of being misinterpreted as apathy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unconcerned tone

Replaces "indifferent" with a synonym that emphasizes a lack of worry.

apathetic tone

Substitutes "indifferent" with a term highlighting a lack of feeling or interest.

detached tone

Emphasizes the speaker's separation or emotional distance from the subject.

nonchalant tone

Suggests a casual lack of concern or enthusiasm.

blasé tone

Implies a sense of boredom or jadedness.

unmoved tone

Highlights a lack of emotional reaction or impact.

dispassionate tone

Focuses on the absence of strong feelings or biases.

lackluster tone

Conveys a sense of dullness or uninspired delivery.

listless tone

Suggests a lack of energy or enthusiasm.

lukewarm tone

Indicates a lack of warmth or enthusiasm.

FAQs

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

You can use "indifferent tone" to describe a speaker's lack of enthusiasm or concern. For example, "Her "indifferent tone" suggested she didn't care about the outcome of the meeting".

What's a less direct way to describe an indifferent tone?

Consider using phrases like "unconcerned tone", "apathetic tone", or "detached tone" to convey a similar meaning with slightly different nuances.

Is "indifferent tone" negative or neutral?

The connotation of "indifferent tone" depends on the context. It can be neutral if objectivity is desired, but often carries a negative connotation suggesting a lack of care or empathy.

When is it appropriate to use an indifferent tone?

An indifferent tone might be appropriate in scenarios where neutrality is important, such as in scientific reporting or legal proceedings. However, be mindful that it can be misconstrued as a lack of concern in contexts requiring empathy.