set the tone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "set the tone" is correct and widely used in written English.
It is often used to refer to a person or event that starts a particular atmosphere, attitude, or feeling in a particular situation. For example: “Her heartfelt speech at the fundraiser set the tone for the evening.”.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"That set the tone.

The New York Times

"He set the tone".

The New York Times - Sports

Two details set the tone.

The New Yorker

"Gio set the tone early".

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Lasn set the tone.

The New York Times

Sarkozy has set the tone.

The New York Times

That aggressiveness set the tone".

The New York Times - Sports

Instead, Reagan set the tone.

The New Yorker

"Kind of set the tone".

The New York Times - Sports

Leaders set the tone.

Harvard Business Review

It set the tone.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "set the tone" to emphasize the beginning of a trend, atmosphere, or behavior. For instance, "The CEO's opening remarks set the tone for a productive meeting" indicates that the meeting was likely to be productive because of the CEO's remarks.

Common error

Avoid overstating the impact of the initial action. While something might "set the tone", it doesn't guarantee a specific outcome. For example, saying "The team's aggressive start set the tone for an easy victory" could be misleading if the team later faced challenges.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "set the tone" functions as an idiomatic expression, typically used as a verb phrase. Ludwig indicates that this expression is grammatically correct and frequently employed in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Sports

20%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "set the tone" is a widely recognized and grammatically sound idiomatic expression. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is commonly used to describe the act of establishing an initial atmosphere, attitude, or standard that influences subsequent events or behaviors. Its prevalence across diverse sources, including news outlets like The New York Times, The Guardian, and business publications like Forbes, underscores its versatility and acceptance in both formal and informal contexts. When using this phrase, consider its scope of influence and ensure it accurately reflects the impact of the initial action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

establish the atmosphere

Focuses on the overall feeling created rather than just the initial action.

create the climate

Similar to "establish the atmosphere", but suggests a more long-lasting or pervasive effect.

dictate the mood

Implies a stronger influence or control over the prevailing feeling.

mold the ambiance

Stresses the act of shaping or influencing the environment's feeling.

lay the foundation

Emphasizes the preparatory aspect of creating a specific condition.

establish a precedent

Highlights the role of setting an example for future actions or situations.

shape the character

Refers to the creation of a distinctive quality or nature of a situation or event.

lead the way

Focuses on guiding or directing others toward a particular approach or attitude.

inaugurate the feeling

More formal and less common alternative, emphasizing the start of a particular sentiment.

initiate the spirit

Similar to inaugurate, but with a focus on the emotional or psychological state.

FAQs

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

Use "set the tone" to describe an initial action or event that establishes a particular mood, attitude, or standard. For example, "The coach's pre-game speech "set the tone" for the team's determined performance."

What are some alternatives to "set the tone"?

You can use alternatives like "establish the atmosphere", "dictate the mood", or "lay the foundation" depending on the specific context.

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

Yes, "set the tone" is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. Its widespread use in news articles and business reports demonstrates its acceptability in professional settings.

What's the difference between "set the tone" and "set the mood"?

While similar, "set the tone" often implies establishing a standard or approach, while "set the mood" focuses more on creating a specific emotional atmosphere. For instance, a company policy might ""set the tone"" for ethical behavior, while music might "set the mood" for a romantic dinner.