Questions tagged [tone]
Questions on the general character or attitude of a phrase, sentence or other form of written language.
59
questions
2
votes
1
answer
124
views
Rising Pitch as the only minimal pair differentiator? The "cot" - "caw" [split? semi-merge? something else?]
Canonically, English is not a tonal language, and there are a number of posts on this site discussing why the use of rising tone in asking a question does not qualify (the reason being that it doesn't ...
- 333
5
votes
2
answers
258
views
"Look, lady", "Listen, lady" – lady as a pejorative
This question is inspired by the wonderfully-named subreddit r/IDontWorkHereLady.
When a proficient English speaker addresses someone as "lady" (as opposed to "ma'am"), it seems to ...
- 151
0
votes
1
answer
60
views
What does it mean for something to be "so-called"? [closed]
What does it mean if someone says,
This is the so-called [noun]
or
This is the so-called "[noun]"
What is the purpose of the addition of so-called? Are these sentences neutral or has ...
- 169
0
votes
1
answer
27
views
I need to know whether my sentence tone is correct for a Software Product [closed]
You recently made an offline purchase, and the payment methods associated with that subscription have been dissociated. So update your payment method in our Payment portal.
This is the statement I am ...
- 3
0
votes
2
answers
78
views
How to name "people who talk a lot" in a company, without sounding rude
I'm delivering a presentation in which I want to mention people "who talk a lot" in companies. To me (non native english speaker), this term sounds a bit offensive.
I want to describe the ...
- 119
0
votes
2
answers
497
views
Is there a specific term for "tone of command" in English?
I'm wondering if there is a specific word that refers to a "tone of command." I'm putting it in double quotations because in my native language (Korean) we have a specific word called "...
- 143
0
votes
0
answers
36
views
A increases B vs. A leads to an increase in B
I am not very sure about the differences in the tone and the implication between the following:
i) Printed books increased literacy.
ii) Printed books lead to an increase in literacy.
Are they ...
- 155
0
votes
0
answers
54
views
What is the Difference Between a Mood and Tone?
The two literary devices "mood" and "tone" seem to be the same no matter where I read about them. I cannot seem to differ them.
Example: "the dark and gloomy night"
The ...
- 19
-1
votes
1
answer
62
views
What does it mean if you are speaking like you are 'delivering a sermon'
What does it mean if you are speaking like you are 'delivering a sermon'
I recently delivered a speech. When given feedback, I was told the following:
You do have a tendency to fall into a rhythm ...
- 141
0
votes
0
answers
584
views
What’s a matter-of-fact tone?
I was wondering if a matter-of-fact tone was the same as a straightforward tone, and if these terms all mean “simple” or “without emotions”. (I am not a native speaker for that matter).
If I speak or ...
- 9
0
votes
0
answers
822
views
"In addition to" synonyms specific to scientific writing?
I'm tired of using the same expression in scientific academic papers over and over again...
But I can't find any formal equivalent synonyms to "In addition to" besides additionally to...
Do you have ...
- 63
1
vote
1
answer
375
views
What are typical "emotional absolutes" and why we should avoid them in academic writing?
I am working on a revision of an academic research paper. We performed some empirical studies and wrote a paper to demystify some common misunderstanding of certain techniques.
One reviewer gave me ...
- 291
2
votes
2
answers
278
views
Punctuating mid-sentence question/uncertainty? [closed]
How do you indicate a question (as in an uncertain statement) mid-sentence? My first thought was:
"That's Fred and his—cousin?—by the punch bowl."
But if you take out the parenthetical, ...
- 35
-1
votes
1
answer
257
views
"Twisting someone's words" expression tone [closed]
Is the sentence "You are twisting his/her words" considered a respectful, polite, or neutral expression?
To be clear, I am not asking about the meaning of the expression, nor I am asking a writing ...
- 1
0
votes
1
answer
420
views
Is there a difference between "I am male" and "I am a male"?
Both versions seem grammatically correct to me, since the word "male" can be either a noun or an adjective, so it can be used with and without an article.
But I wonder, is there any difference in ...
- 9