sensitive tone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sensitive tone" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a manner of speaking or writing that is considerate of the feelings and emotions of others. Example: "In her response, she maintained a sensitive tone to ensure that her message was received with understanding and compassion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

In part, this reality stems from the fact that Biden hasn't always struck the most sensitive tone when it comes to talking about race.

Huffington Post

The tone of the verbal interplay was relaxed when exploring using humorous expressions or a sensitive tone while confirming the perspective of one another.

BMC Medical Education

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

One-armed (and aptly named) Hook sets the rugged-but-sensitive tone of this outstanding series, which delivers thrilling action, great scenery and a full cast of complex characters searching for peace in a troubled postwar environment.

The New York Times - Books

The rhythm section, too, played viciously; these are musicians whose sense of rhythmic interplay comes from the tight, accurate swing of the early Wynton Marsalis bands, hard-driving but sensitive to tone color.

The New York Times - Arts

The lighter colors will blend in well with your sensitive skin tone.

WikiHow

Some air fresheners might upset dogs, such as the odor of citrus which is used to deter dogs from digging in gardens, etc., because they don't like the scent.[11] Any overwhelming smell in a car can be too much for the highly smell sensitive dog, so tone down the scented items, including wearing too much perfume in the enclosed car environment.

WikiHow

When asked if that could be interpreted as condescending or as talking down to women, Meury said that Allergan is "sensitive to the tone and the quality of the information and the programs" it launches.

The Guardian - Business

"There's lots of research in this field with robots sensitive to gesture, tone of voice, eye expressions and so on, but one of the issues is getting it right," he says.

BBC

The samples then have been spin-coated with an e-beam sensitive polymethylmethacrylate-negative tone resist, and electron beam lithography has been used to define the transistor source, drain, and gate nanoscopic contacts linking individual nanowires to the macroscopic contact pads.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Participants were sensitive to the tone and implications of website titles, formats, text and video, highlighting the importance of a patient-centered perspective when developing content.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

Thus basal AGRP synthesis appears to be sensitive to the tone of CCK signaling, and its elevation is likely to contribute to the phenotype of the high-growth haplotype.

American Journal of Physiology - Endocrinology and Metabolism

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When addressing potentially upsetting subjects, adopting a "sensitive tone" ensures your message is received with empathy, fostering understanding and avoiding unnecessary conflict.

Common error

Avoid using a "sensitive tone" to the point where it obscures your message or makes you sound insincere. Authenticity and clarity should always be balanced with sensitivity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sensitive tone" functions as a descriptive phrase, typically modifying a verb or noun to indicate the manner in which something is expressed or communicated. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound. Examples show it describing a speaker's approach or a written communication style.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sensitive tone" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe communication that is considerate of others' feelings. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While examples are relatively rare, the phrase appears in various contexts, including news, science, and general reference. It serves to convey empathy and avoid causing offense, making it particularly relevant in delicate situations. Alternative phrasing includes "empathetic tone" or "gentle tone". When using this phrase, ensure that sensitivity doesn't compromise clarity or authenticity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

empathetic tone

Focuses more on showing understanding and sharing the feelings of others.

compassionate tone

Emphasizes a deeper feeling of concern and care for someone's suffering.

gentle tone

Highlights the mildness and lack of harshness in the expression.

understanding tone

Conveys comprehension and acceptance of someone's situation.

considerate tone

Stresses thoughtfulness and awareness of others' needs and feelings.

tactful approach

Shifts focus to the manner of handling a situation delicately.

diplomatic language

Indicates the use of language designed to avoid causing offense.

caring manner

Highlights the demonstration of kindness and concern.

delicate phrasing

Emphasizes the careful selection of words to avoid upsetting someone.

thoughtful expression

Focuses on expressing ideas with careful consideration and empathy.

FAQs

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

You might say, "The counselor used a "sensitive tone" when discussing difficult topics with the client" or "It's important to adopt a "sensitive tone" when giving feedback to your team members".

What's a good alternative to "sensitive tone"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "empathetic tone", "compassionate tone", or "understanding tone".

When is it appropriate to use a "sensitive tone"?

A "sensitive tone" is appropriate when discussing difficult or emotional subjects, providing constructive criticism, or generally aiming to communicate with empathy and consideration for others' feelings.

Is "sensitive tone" the same as "patronizing tone"?

No, a "sensitive tone" aims to show understanding and empathy, while a patronizing tone implies superiority and can be condescending. Maintaining genuine respect is key to using a "sensitive tone" effectively.