What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
pitch
Example
Her voice had a high pitch when she was excited. [pitch: noun]
Example
He pitched his idea to the investors with great enthusiasm. [pitched: verb]
Example
The pitch of the roof was steep, making it difficult to climb. [pitch: noun]
tone
Example
The tone of her voice was soothing and calming. [tone: noun]
Example
His tone was sarcastic and dismissive, indicating his lack of interest. [tone: noun]
Example
The walls were painted in a warm tone of beige. [tone: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Tone is more commonly used than pitch in everyday language, as it has a wider range of applications and is more versatile. Pitch is more specialized and is mainly used in music or technical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between pitch and tone?
Both pitch and tone can be used in formal and informal contexts, but pitch may be more technical and therefore more formal in some situations, while tone is more commonly used in everyday language and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
