solicitous tone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "solicitous tone" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a manner of speaking that shows concern or care for someone else's well-being. Example: "Her solicitous tone made it clear that she genuinely cared about his feelings during the difficult conversation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"You could always simply kill yourself," Lyokha suggested to Olezhek in a solicitous tone.

The New Yorker

In moments when I overheard him talking to Pakistani leaders, he took the solicitous tone of someone reassuring an unstable friend.

The New Yorker

Arriving at the designer Simon Spurr's men's show, a staffer greeted him with the same solicitous tone that Mr. Goreski himself employs on "The Rachel Zoe Project" when speaking with a celebrity: a rising lilt that one might use to coax a cat off a tree limb, or perhaps Elizabeth Taylor out of her dressing room on the set of "Cleopatra," circa 1961.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Next time you're in an awkward conversational cul-de-sac at a party and don't know what to ask next, take a beat and then say, in solicitous tones: "Record number four … ".

The Guardian - Opinion

Nationally syndicated talk-show hosts follow the Oprah Winfrey model and wrap their celebrity klatches in a solicitous, redemptive tone; Montel Williams, whose long running show was canceled last May, began his career as a motivational speaker.

The New York Times - Arts

She gave me a solicitous look.

The Guardian - Opinion

Its tone is solicitous, but its content damning.

The New York Times

They were game, and besides, they took their cues from the performers and the questions, which set the tone: serious, earnest, solicitous, a little pious.

The New York Times

The lovely young hostesses may catch the eye, but it is the knowledgeable, solicitous waiters who set the tone of the restaurant.

The New York Times

His tone was calm and solicitous, but some of his questions were unusual: "Is that comfortable?

The New Yorker

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

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "solicitous tone" when you want to emphasize that someone's manner of speaking expresses care, concern, or a desire to help. It suggests a genuine interest in the well-being of the person being addressed.

Common error

Avoid using "solicitous tone" when describing insincere or manipulative behavior. The word "solicitous" implies genuine concern, so using it in a context where the concern is feigned creates a contradiction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "solicitous tone" functions as an adjective-noun combination, where "solicitous" modifies the noun "tone". It describes a particular quality or characteristic of the tone. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "solicitous tone" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a manner of speaking that conveys care and concern. While not exceedingly common, as shown by its rare frequency according to Ludwig, it's primarily found in News & Media contexts. The phrase effectively highlights a speaker's genuine interest in another's well-being. Remember to use it when you want to emphasize the caring and attentive quality of someone's voice, and avoid it in situations where the concern is insincere. Alternatives such as ""caring tone"" or "concerned tone" can be used for similar effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

caring tone

Replaces "solicitous" with a simpler, more common synonym, focusing on the aspect of care.

concerned tone

Emphasizes the worry or anxiety behind the tone.

attentive tone

Highlights the focus and attentiveness conveyed in the voice.

sympathetic tone

Focuses on the empathy and compassion conveyed.

compassionate tone

Similar to sympathetic, but with a slightly stronger emphasis on active concern.

thoughtful tone

Emphasizes the consideration and thoughtfulness behind the way someone speaks.

considerate tone

Highlights the politeness and sensitivity shown.

gentle tone

Focuses on the mildness and tenderness conveyed.

soothing tone

Emphasizes the calming and reassuring effect of the tone.

nurturing tone

Highlights the supportive and caring aspect of the tone, implying a desire to help and foster well-being.

FAQs

What does "solicitous tone" mean?

A "solicitous tone" refers to a way of speaking that expresses care, concern, or attentiveness towards someone. It suggests a genuine interest in the person's well-being.

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

You can use "solicitous tone" to describe someone's speech when they are showing concern for another person. For example, "Her "caring tone" put him at ease."

What are some alternatives to using "solicitous tone"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as ""caring tone"", "concerned tone", or "sympathetic tone".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "solicitous tone"?

It is appropriate to use "solicitous tone" when you want to describe a manner of speaking that demonstrates genuine care, concern, or attentiveness towards someone's well-being or situation.