31.   Thursday, after the congressional report was released, Smith continued to criticize the administration, though he softened his tone.

32.   When translating into words the sign-language tantrums of her hot-tempered father, she tactfully softens their tone.

33.   All sides have softened their tone since a testy meeting of finance ministers last week when euro insiders threatened to shut the others out of a euro council.

34.   All sides have softened their tone since a testy meeting of EU finance ministers last week when euro insiders threatened to shut the others out and push ahead alone.

35.   Arafat softened his tone Wednesday after days of harsh statements, saying he remained committed to the peace process.

36.   China expressed opposition yesterday to top-level contacts between Siew and Anwar, but appeared to soften its tone a shade.

37.   Farrakhan had tried to soften his tone when he arrived in Ramallah on Sunday.

38.   He later softened his tone and said he still hoped for peace.

39.   He later softened his tone, claiming the project would benefit Gypsies.

40.   He later softened his tone somewhat.