set the tone
idiom
: to establish a quality, feeling, or attitude by a manner of speaking or writing
Her lighthearted question set the tone for the rest of the interview.
Examples of set the tone in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Addie Perry, Junior OF, Aledo Perry set the tone for Aledo, a team that made the state tournament.
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Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 June 2024
Jamie Shaw, Glenelg, senior, outfield First Team All-County once again, Shaw set the tone for Glenelg from the leadoff spot.
—Jacob Steinberg, Baltimore Sun, 26 June 2024
The very first scene of The Acolyte set the tone as Carrie-Anne Moss' Indara was literally stabbed in the heart.
—EW.com, 26 June 2024
And as number one on the call sheet, you’re supposed to set the tone for the rest of the cast by not only knowing your lines inside and out, but by also making sure that your attitude and punctuality are on point.
—Brian Davids, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for set the tone 
Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 June 2024
Jamie Shaw, Glenelg, senior, outfield First Team All-County once again, Shaw set the tone for Glenelg from the leadoff spot.
—Jacob Steinberg, Baltimore Sun, 26 June 2024
The very first scene of The Acolyte set the tone as Carrie-Anne Moss' Indara was literally stabbed in the heart.
—EW.com, 26 June 2024
And as number one on the call sheet, you’re supposed to set the tone for the rest of the cast by not only knowing your lines inside and out, but by also making sure that your attitude and punctuality are on point.
—Brian Davids, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for set the tone
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'set the tone.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near set the tone
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“Set the tone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/set%20the%20tone. Accessed 7 Jul. 2024.
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