What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
colour
Example
The flowers in the garden were bursting with color. [color: noun]
Example
She likes to color her drawings with bright markers. [color: verb]
tone
Example
Her tone of voice indicated that she was angry. [tone: noun]
Example
The photographer adjusted the tone of the image to create a more dramatic effect. [tone: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Colour is more commonly used than tone in everyday language, as it is a versatile word that covers a wide range of contexts related to visual perception. Tone, on the other hand, is more specific and often used in artistic or creative contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between colour and tone?
Both colour and tone can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, colour is generally more casual and informal, while tone can be employed in a more formal or literary tone.
