set a tone for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "set a tone for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the establishment of a particular atmosphere or mood for a situation, event, or piece of work. Example: "The opening scene of the film set a tone for the entire story, making the audience feel both suspense and intrigue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General Usage

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He kind of set a tone for me".

The New York Times - Books

"If I set a tone for mutual respect, I think it will be reciprocated," she said.

The New York Times

As the manager, hopefully, you set a tone for your ball club in some way.

The New York Times - Sports

Past presidents have sought to set a tone for their presidency with their inaugurations.

The Washington Post

"We want to set a tone for the summer," he said.

The New York Times

That set a tone for accommodation that Rozelle helped carry through with Mara's help.

The New York Times - Sports

The three-part "Copycat," one of Bley's newer compositions, set a tone for much of what followed.

The Washington Post

"It was about scores and highlights, but it set a tone for everything I think we're able to do now.

The New York Times - Arts

And his jolly, gregarious demeanor set a tone for service that was upbeat, solicitous and typically deft.

The New York Times - Food

Inspiring for sure, they set a tone for a range of similarly bankable designs conceived to suit most any taste and budget.

The New York Times

Honda is already there: Jason Bateman has been the main voice of the brand since 2011, and the "Arrested Development" star set a tone for the automaker.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "set a tone for" when you want to emphasize the establishment of a particular atmosphere, mood, or attitude that influences subsequent events or interactions. For example, "The leader's calm demeanor set a tone for the meeting, reducing anxiety among the team."

Common error

Avoid using "set a tone for" when the intended meaning is simply to describe something, rather than to indicate its influence on later events. For example, instead of saying "The dark lighting set a tone for the room", consider "The dark lighting created a somber atmosphere in the room" if there's no indication this somberness is affecting other actions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "set a tone for" functions as a verb phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It is used to describe the action of establishing a particular mood, character, or attitude that influences subsequent events or interactions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Sports

14%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Vice

5%

International Journal of STEM Education

1%

Huffington Post

16%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "set a tone for" is a versatile expression used to describe the act of establishing a particular mood, attitude, or atmosphere that influences subsequent events or interactions. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage, with the majority of examples sourced from news and media outlets. Understanding the phrase's function and purpose enables more precise and impactful communication. By creating the right atmosphere, one can effectively "set a tone for" positive outcomes. Consider using alternative phrases such as "establish a mood for" or "create an atmosphere for" to enhance clarity in different contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initiate the tone for

Focuses on being the first to establish a certain attitude or feeling.

establish a mood for

Focuses specifically on the emotional atmosphere created.

create an atmosphere for

Emphasizes the overall environment or ambiance being generated.

lay the groundwork for

Highlights the preparatory aspect, suggesting a foundation is being built.

pave the way for

Indicates that obstacles are being removed to facilitate future progress.

set the stage for

Implies a deliberate arrangement of circumstances to influence subsequent events.

dictate the terms of

Suggests a more forceful and controlling influence over subsequent actions.

mold the direction of

Highlights shaping or influencing the overall trajectory of something.

establish the framework for

Focuses on creating a structure or system within which something operates.

shape the narrative of

Emphasizes influencing the way a story or account is perceived and understood.

FAQs

How can I use "set a tone for" in a sentence?

Use "set a tone for" when you want to describe how something establishes a specific atmosphere or attitude that influences subsequent events. For instance, "The manager's apology "set a tone for" reconciliation within the team".

What are some alternatives to using "set a tone for"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "establish a mood for", "create an atmosphere for", or "lay the groundwork for depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey".

Is it correct to say "setting a tone for" instead of "set a tone for"?

Both "setting a tone for" and "set a tone for" are grammatically correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Set a tone for" is typically used in the past tense, while "setting a tone for" is used in continuous tenses or as a gerund. For example, "His speech "set a tone for" the conference", and "He is "setting a tone for" the rest of the team".

What's the difference between "set a tone for" and "set the stage for"?

"Set a tone for" focuses on establishing a particular mood or attitude, while "set the stage for" implies preparing the circumstances or conditions for something to happen. The former is about creating an atmosphere, while the latter is about creating a setup or opportunity.