The tone of a compound phrase may be altered by the use of conjunctions, which can express a range of emotions. The employment of coordinating conjunctions such as "and," "but," "or," and "yet" in a sentence may convey a variety of meanings, including contrast, addition, choice, and a negative or serious tone. The use of conjunctions such as "and" or "also" may set a cheerful and optimistic tone, whereas "but" or "yet" might communicate a somber and serious one. In order to set the mood for drama or emphasis, you might use a coordinating conjunction such as "not only...but also" to suggest a stark contrast. The tone and meaning of a compound phrase may be greatly affected by the conjunction used to join its parts.