tenor of the message

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tenor of the message" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the general meaning, tone, or character of a message being conveyed. Example: "The tenor of the message was clear: we need to prioritize teamwork and collaboration moving forward."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

By the last day of July, the tenor of the message was slightly different.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The tenor of that message was echoed in remarks by one of the Libyan state channel's news anchors who waved a pistol during a broadcast and promised to use it to defend the station.

The New York Times

If the timing and tenor of that message are right, voters may instinctively respond, so why isn't that process more clearly underway?

The Guardian - Opinion

Despite the ridiculous tenor of the marketing message and absurd software-style sequential releases, the moves genuinely seem to benefit the consumer, and today's "Data Stash" unveil is no different: T-Mobile customers will be able to retain data they don't use from their cap each month, and put it towards future use, starting in January.

TechCrunch

Noel Holton, a mother and an academic frustrated by the tenor of the debate, wrote a message titled "Where is the love?" before signing off, in disgust, for good.

The New York Times

In a strategy that dovetails with the sharpening tenor of the president's populist message, they are likely to paint Mr. Romney as a plutocrat whose brand of capitalism would hurt the interests of the middle class at a moment when the country is increasingly focused on income inequality.

The New York Times

In a more somber tenor, the message boards of some newspapers' Web sites around the state have brimmed with outrage and finger-pointing.

The New York Times

The extent of that divide was reflected in the substance and tenor of the two conventions.

Huffington Post

Ad agencies were put on alert after each programme, working through the night to rewrite ads and tweak messaging in line with the tenor of the debate.

Independent

The idea that obesity would be solved if people ate balanced meals and were less sedentary remains a tacitly shared one – largely reinforced by the tenor of health promotion messages.

BioSocieties

But when a defense lawyer cross-examined the agent about the thousands of Officer Valle's chats and messages that the F.B.I. had reviewed, the tenor of the trial, in its third day in Federal District Court in Manhattan, changed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tenor of the message" when you want to describe the overall character or feeling conveyed by a communication, especially when it's about something complex or subtle. It's more than just the words; it's the impression it leaves.

Common error

Don't confuse "tenor of the message" with simply its topic or subject. "Tenor" encompasses the emotional and ethical qualities of the communication, not just what it's about.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tenor of the message" functions as a noun phrase within a sentence, often serving as the subject or object of a verb. It describes the overall character or prevailing quality of a communication, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "tenor of the message" refers to the overall tone, character, and underlying feeling conveyed by a communication. As Ludwig AI highlights, its grammatical status is correct, though its frequency is uncommon. It's primarily used in News & Media, and its function is to describe the implicit or explicit qualities of a communication. Understanding the "tenor of the message" helps to grasp a communication's broader implications, making it essential for critical analysis and effective understanding. Related phrases, such as ""tone of the message"" or ""gist of the message"", can be used to emphasize different aspects of the communication's meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tone of the message

Focuses specifically on the emotional quality or feeling conveyed.

gist of the message

Highlights the main point or essence of the communication.

essence of the message

Emphasizes the fundamental nature or core meaning.

drift of the message

Indicates the general direction or implication of the communication.

import of the message

Stresses the significance or importance conveyed.

nature of the message

Refers to the inherent qualities or characteristics.

substance of the message

Highlights the core content or material conveyed.

character of the message

Emphasizes the distinctive qualities and moral features.

spirit of the message

Focuses on the underlying intention or feeling.

underlying message

Highlights the implicit or non-obvious meaning.

FAQs

What does "tenor of the message" mean?

The "tenor of the message" refers to the overall tone, character, and underlying feeling conveyed by a communication. It's the general impression or quality of the message, encompassing more than just the literal words used.

How can I use "tenor of the message" in a sentence?

You might say, "The "tenor of the message" was optimistic, despite the challenges ahead" or "The "tenor of the message" shifted after the company's announcement".

What are some alternatives to "tenor of the message"?

You can use alternatives like "tone of the message", "gist of the message", or "essence of the message" depending on what aspect you want to emphasize.

Is there a difference between "tone of the message" and "tenor of the message"?

While similar, "tone" often focuses on the emotional quality, whereas "tenor" can encompass the broader character, including ethical or moral qualities. Therefore, "tenor of the message" is a wider definition than the "tone of the message".