Words / B2

TOHN/təʊn/

Tone is the mood of a voice or text, or a musical note: a formal tone; tone of voice. Tune is a melody (already in the dictionary); tonic is a drink or a medical term. Comment on the writer’s tone, not only the topic. Mix-up: tune / town / tonne. Do not write tone for the whole argument.

Meaning

The mood of a voice or a piece of writing; also a musical note.

Examples

• “Comment on the writer’s tone, not only the topic, the language paper said.”
• “A sharp tone in the email still went on the complaint file, which is the mood-of-voice sense.”

Good to know

tone of voice; a formal / ironic tone; set the tone. Trap: tune / tonne. Language papers, music, and emails. Mood of wording, not the whole plot.

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