Differences between tone down and turn down
Tone down means to make something less intense or extreme, while turn down means to reject an offer or request.
Meanings and Definitions: tone down vs turn down
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Tone down
- 1Make something sound more moderate.
The Minister tried to TONE DOWN what she had said when the press started attacking her.
Turn down
- 1Reduce volume, temperature, etc..
The room was too hot, so she TURNED the heating DOWN.
- 2Reject an offer, invitation, etc..
They offered her the job, but she TURNED it DOWN.
- 3Fold the top covers of a bed down to make it ready for someone to go to sleep.
The hotel staff TURNED DOWN the bed and scattered flower petals on it while we was having dinner.
Usage Examples: tone down, turn down in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
tone down
Example
She decided to tone down her makeup for the job interview.
Example
He tones down his language when speaking to children.
turn down
Example
Please turn down the music; it's too loud.
Example
She always turns down the heat before going to bed.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Tone down
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Turn down
decline
To politely refuse an offer or invitation.
Example
I had to decline the invitation to the party because I had other plans.
To refuse or decline an offer or proposal.
Example
The company decided to reject the merger proposal due to potential risks and conflicts.
Differences in tone down vs turn down: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: tone down or turn down?
In daily conversation, people use turn down more often than tone down. This is because turn down is a common phrase used when declining invitations or offers. Tone down is not used as much in everyday conversation, but it's still a useful phrase to know.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of tone down and turn down
Tone down and turn down are both informal phrases suitable for casual conversations. However, turn down can also be used in more formal settings like business or academic contexts when rejecting offers or requests.
Tone and Implication: The Nuances of tone down and turn down
The tone of tone down and turn down can differ based on context. Tone down often carries a polite or diplomatic tone when related to reducing the intensity of something, while turn down typically has a straightforward and sometimes negative tone, especially when referring to rejecting offers or requests.
