tone and tenor

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tone and tenor" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the overall mood and attitude expressed by a piece of writing. For example, "The article had a very somber tone and tenor, befitting the sadness of the event it described."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Praise for the translator, who renders perfectly the tone and tenor of Marías's prose style.

The Guardian - Books

Given the tone and tenor of the conversation on Iran in Washington these days, you wouldn't think so.

The New York Times

Since the EU referendum, little has changed in the tone and tenor of the public conversation on Brexit.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We negotiated all today and I think that there is a different tone and tenor and tempo," Ms. Weingarten said.

The New York Times

More than any other sport, basketball gives its officials the power to shape the tone and tenor of a game.

The New York Times - Sports

But given the tone and tenor of the discussion, Mr. Obama's clear voice and unwavering leadership are needed on this issue.

The Washington Post

Sometimes a simple change in leadership in any organization can make a change in the tone and tenor of the way things go".

The New York Times

Certainly the tone and tenor of media coverage could be improved when it comes to hurricanes and other types of disasters.

The New York Times

One can quibble with the wording, she said, "but we try to get the tone and tenor right, and I think we did".

The New York Times

The tone and tenor of the debate "is completely unfair to Indians and to Rajat and the country," Mr. Sinha said.

The New York Times

Despite the differences in tone and tenor between what different U.S. officials are saying about North Korea in public, the messaging in private has been relatively consistent.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tone and tenor" to describe the overall feeling and style of a communication, discussion, or environment. It's especially effective when you want to capture both the emotional quality (tone) and the general progression or direction (tenor).

Common error

While "tone and tenor" is appropriate for formal or professional writing, be mindful of its use in casual conversations. Overusing it in informal settings can sound overly formal or pretentious; opt for simpler synonyms like "vibe" or "atmosphere" in those cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tone and tenor" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the overall character, feeling, or style of something, whether it's a conversation, a piece of writing, or an event. As Ludwig AI explains, it conveys both emotional quality and general progression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Formal & Business

17%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tone and tenor" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe the overall mood and character of something. As Ludwig AI points out, it effectively conveys both the emotional quality (tone) and general direction (tenor). While it's suitable for formal and neutral contexts, it's wise to use simpler synonyms like "vibe" or "atmosphere" in casual conversations. The phrase appears frequently in news and media sources, highlighting its relevance in describing public discourse and events. Remember to consider the audience and context to ensure the phrase's appropriateness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overall character

Focuses more on the general qualities and attributes.

prevailing mood

Emphasizes the emotional atmosphere or feeling.

general atmosphere

Highlights the surrounding feeling or environment.

underlying sentiment

Refers to the feelings or emotions behind something.

dominant style

Focuses on the manner or way something is expressed.

fundamental spirit

Highlights the essence or core nature of something.

basic quality

Emphasizes a distinctive attribute or characteristic.

essential nature

Refers to the intrinsic and indispensable qualities.

feeling and manner

Combines emotional state with the way something is done.

collective attitude

Indicates shared sentiments and approaches within a group.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "tone and tenor" in a sentence?

Use "tone and tenor" when you want to describe the overall mood and character of a conversation, piece of writing, or event. For example, "The "tone and tenor" of the meeting suggested a serious shift in company policy".

What's a simple way to explain what "tone and tenor" means?

"Tone" refers to the emotional quality of something, while "tenor" refers to its general character or direction. Together, ""tone and tenor"" capture the overall feeling and style.

Which words are similar to "tone and tenor" that I can use instead?

You can use alternatives like "overall character", "prevailing mood", or "general atmosphere" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "tone and tenor" suitable for both formal and informal communication?

While grammatically correct in both contexts, ""tone and tenor"" is more common in formal writing and speech. In informal settings, simpler terms like "vibe" or "atmosphere" might be more appropriate.