modulated tone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "modulated tone" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a voice or sound that has been adjusted or varied in pitch, volume, or quality, often to convey emotion or emphasis. Example: "The speaker's modulated tone kept the audience engaged throughout the presentation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Today, Mr. Chirac adopted a more modulated tone.

The New York Times

That may explain the modulated tone of leaders like Prime Minister Zhu.

The New York Times

Rather than pronouncing analysis dead, however, he spoke of his competition in a modulated tone that was largely absent from the analytic debates of the 20th century.

The New York Times

Always in a modulated tone, he danced around the issue of why he almost took ABC's offer, saying it's "just human nature" to be tempted by flattery.

The New York Times - Arts

A hypnotic attraction seems to have inspired Tóibín's extensive, misty, and intricate work of reconstruction, a marvel of lightly worn research and modulated tone.

The New Yorker

Leaning his 6-foot-3 frame slightly backward, strangling the microphone, he delivered songs like "Blitzkrieg Bop" and "Teenage Lobotomy" in a raw yet perfectly modulated tone, like the world's most unlikely yell king.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Our proposal is further supported by a range of human fMRI studies using other types of complex sounds including modulated tones, dynamic spectral ripples and sine wave speech; whose modulation rates are typical of those observed in IRN.

Cerebral Cortex

"That's why Nessa speaks in these modulated tones when we first meet her.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

If his autobiography, "Memoirs," is to be believed, David Rockefeller is one such person, a Mozart of modulated tones.

The New York Times - Books

Violence, public and domestic, in peace and war, is muted by the modulated tones of civilised life.

The Guardian - Books

His comments were widely echoed around the Waldorf-Astoria all weekend, and not always in such moderate or modulated tones.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's speech, use "modulated tone" to convey a sense of control and intention behind their vocal expression. This implies they are carefully choosing how they speak to achieve a specific effect.

Common error

Avoid using "modulated tone" when you simply mean someone speaks clearly or has good pronunciation. "Modulated" implies variation and control, not just clarity. Don't use it to describe someone with a monotone voice; instead, seek alternatives such as "flat tone".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "modulated tone" primarily functions as a descriptive element, often an adjective-noun combination, modifying a subject by indicating the quality of their voice or sound. Ludwig AI shows it is used to describe a deliberate variation in sound.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "modulated tone" describes a voice or sound that is intentionally varied in pitch, volume, or quality. Ludwig AI validates that it is grammatically correct and suitable for use in writing. It's most commonly found in news and media contexts, with its function being to describe a deliberate and controlled vocal or sonic expression. Related phrases include "varied intonation" and "controlled inflection". Using "modulated tone" effectively means conveying a sense of intentionality behind the sound, avoiding confusion with mere clarity or a monotone voice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

carefully modulated sound

Emphasizes the precision and attention to detail in the sound's modulation.

varied intonation

Focuses specifically on the variation in pitch within the voice.

controlled inflection

Emphasizes the deliberate control over vocal changes.

adjusted timbre

Highlights the modification of the sound's quality.

refined vocal delivery

Suggests a polished and sophisticated manner of speaking.

even tone

Implies a consistent and unwavering vocal quality.

subdued voice

Indicates a quiet and restrained vocal expression.

measured cadence

Highlights a rhythmic and deliberate pace of speech.

tempered voice

Suggests a voice that is softened or made less intense.

softened tone

Implies a gentle and less harsh vocal quality.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "modulated tone" in a sentence?

Use "modulated tone" to describe a voice that varies in pitch, volume, and intensity to convey specific emotions or emphasis. For example, "The actor's "modulated tone" conveyed both authority and compassion."

What are some alternatives to "modulated tone"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "varied intonation", "controlled inflection", or "refined vocal delivery".

Is "modulated tone" a formal or informal expression?

"Modulated tone" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal expression, suitable for news, reports, and professional communication.

What does "modulated" specifically imply in the context of "modulated tone"?

The term "modulated" implies that the tone is intentionally adjusted or varied to achieve a specific communicative effect, such as conveying emotion, emphasizing a point, or maintaining listener engagement.