What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
tone
Example
The author's tone in the article was sarcastic and critical. [tone: noun]
Example
She spoke in a tone that was both firm and gentle. [tone: noun]
mood
Example
The mood of the painting was dark and somber. [mood: noun]
Example
The music created a romantic mood for the dinner party. [mood: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Mood is more commonly used in creative writing and art criticism, while tone is more commonly used in literary analysis and criticism. However, both words are important for understanding and analyzing the emotional quality of language.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between tone and mood?
Both tone and mood can be used in formal and informal contexts, depending on the situation and audience. However, tone may be more commonly used in formal writing, while mood may be more commonly used in informal or creative writing.
