* Noun: This is the most common usage. It refers to the general character or quality of something, especially the way it sounds or appears.
* Example: "The tone of the meeting was very serious."
* Verb: This is less common, but it means to give a particular sound, especially by striking.
* Example: "The bell toned at noon."
* Adjective: This is very uncommon and often used in a specialized context, like in music to refer to a specific pitch or sound.
* Example: "The tone of the piano was rich and resonant."
In the context of writing and speech, "tone" is typically used as a noun to describe the attitude or feeling that a writer or speaker conveys.