Learn Business English Phrases: set the tone

Updated: Jan 19

Learn Business English phrases with our Phrase of the Week!

Each week, we introduce a new phrase to help you sound more natural and confident in your professional communication.

For extra practice, you can download the flashcards—just scroll down to the bottom of the page.

This Week's Phrase:

SET THE TONE

to do something that will create the mood, attitude, or style that will influence other people's actions or future events

Playing upbeat music helped set the tone for an enjoyable evening.

The first email you send to a new client can set the tone for your entire relationship.

Her confident and positive attitude has really set the tone.

Listen to the definition and example sentences below. Click on each picture to hear the audio.

More Business English phrases with set

In business English, there are many useful phrases with the verb set that you can use in different situations. Let's learn a few!

Choose the correct option, listen to the sentences and repeat:

KEY

SET THE PACE

to establish the speed or standard for others to follow

Their innovation has set the pace for the industry.

The leader needs to set the pace so the team can follow.

She worked quickly, setting the pace for the rest of the group.

SET THE BAR

to establish a standard that others must meet

Her presentation really set the bar for the rest of the team.

The new CEO has set the bar for excellence.

They set the bar high with their innovative product design.

SET IN MOTION

to start something or cause it to begin happening

A complete transformation of the business has been set in motion.

Her decision to start this difficult project really set things in motion.

Her proposal set in motion a process to redesign the product.