1.   Belgium, which has been virulent in its criticism of Austria and even suggested the country might leave the European Union, showed no sign of softening its tone.

2.   After strong criticism from the West, Moscow softened its tone, but did not remove the threat of a decisive assault on the Islamic militants there.

3.   After this statement the Welfare Party softened its tone.

4.   Bush softened his tone when asked if he would consider McCain as a running mate.

5.   But Bush himself softened his tone Thursday in an interview with Fox News.

6.   But in an interview here, he softened his tone somewhat.

7.   But some environmentalists have softened their tone.

8.   But they have softened their tone in the face of antitrust concerns over the merger between EchoStar and DirecTV.

9.   But Tuesday, the mayor softened his tone.

10.   But the White House later softened the tone, with a spokesman saying U.S. officials understand that Chavez has a leadership role in OPEC.