Sentence: "You could have at least *tried* to call me back."
Tone: Frustrated
Explanation: The use of the word "could" implies that the speaker is disappointed that the other person did not make more of an effort to communicate. The sentence is also phrased as a question, but it's not a genuine request for information. It's a way of expressing frustration that the other person didn't prioritize returning the call.
Here are some other examples of tone in sentences:
* "I'm so excited to see you!" (Excited)
* "Please, be careful." (Concerned)
* "That's just ridiculous!" (Angry)
* "I'm really sorry about that." (Apologetic)
* "Let's just forget about it." (Indifferent)
Key takeaway: Tone is the attitude or feeling that a speaker or writer conveys through their words. It's not always explicitly stated but is often conveyed through word choice, punctuation, and even the way the sentence is structured.