A commanding voice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "A commanding voice" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a voice that is authoritative, powerful, or demands attention, often in contexts related to leadership or public speaking. Example: "The general spoke with a commanding voice that silenced the crowd and captured their full attention."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

A commanding voice in the struggle for social justice.

The New York Times

A commanding voice, authentic and honest, and a commitment to the fine points of editorial quality control aren't among them.

Forbes

He is a movie star with a commanding voice, they reasoned.

The Economist

He speaks with a commanding voice, and is a man who makes his presence felt.

The New York Times

The bass-baritone Craig Phillips sang with dignity and a commanding voice as Jesus.

The New York Times - Arts

The movie maker was an amiable, introspective 6-foot-4 figure with a strong face and a commanding voice.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

His first words, in a strong, commanding voice, to a crowd later that day in Cape Town, were met with thunderous applause.

HuffPost

He is tall and charismatic, with a deep, commanding voice that can shift register from a honeyed purr to a practiced roar of outrage.

The New Yorker

Neil deGrasse Tyson, the charming astrophysicist and the director of the Hayden Planetarium, at the Museum of Natural History, is, as Rebecca Mead writes in this week's issue, "tall and charismatic, with a deep, commanding voice that can shift register from a honeyed purr to a practiced roar of outrage".

The New Yorker

By Sky Dylan-Robbins February 10 , 2014Neil deGrasse Tyson, the charming astrophysicist and the director of the Hayden Planetarium, at the Museum of Natural History, is, as Rebecca Mead writes in this week's issue, "tall and charismatic, with a deep, commanding voice that can shift register from a honeyed purr to a practiced roar of outrage".

The New Yorker

"Please turn off your cellphones and take off your tap shoes," intoned a coyly commanding voice at the beginning of "On Broadway!

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "A commanding voice" to describe individuals who exude confidence and authority through their tone. This phrase is effective in both fiction and non-fiction writing.

Common error

Avoid using "A commanding voice" in passive constructions where the subject is acted upon. Instead, focus on active sentences where the voice is the subject, emphasizing its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "A commanding voice" typically functions as a noun phrase, often used as a subject complement or an adjective modifying a person. Ludwig examples show it describing qualities of leaders, performers, and individuals with influence.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Arts

20%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Academia

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "A commanding voice" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that describes someone who speaks with authority and influence. Ludwig examples confirm its use across various contexts, primarily in news and media, arts, and wiki sources. According to Ludwig, it serves to convey leadership, presence, and the ability to direct others. While versatile, careful attention should be paid to ensure it is used in active rather than passive constructions. Alternative phrases such as "an authoritative voice" or "a powerful voice" can be used for slight variations in meaning. The phrase is appropriate for both formal and informal writing, making it a valuable addition to any writer's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

An authoritative voice

Focuses on the authority and credibility conveyed by the voice.

A powerful voice

Emphasizes the strength and impact of the voice.

A strong voice

Highlights the resilience and firmness of the voice.

An imposing voice

Suggests the voice creates a sense of awe or respect.

A dominant voice

Indicates the voice takes control or leads.

A persuasive voice

Focuses on the ability of the voice to convince or influence others.

A resonant voice

Highlights the richness and depth of the voice.

An influential voice

Emphasizes the impact and sway of the voice.

A leading voice

Suggests the voice is at the forefront of a movement or discussion.

An assertive voice

Highlights the confidence and directness of the voice.

FAQs

How can I use "A commanding voice" in a sentence?

You can use "A commanding voice" to describe someone who speaks with authority. For example, "The general addressed the troops with "a commanding voice".".

What are some synonyms for "A commanding voice"?

Alternatives include "an authoritative voice", "a powerful voice", or "a strong voice" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "A commanding voice" in formal writing?

Yes, "A commanding voice" is suitable for formal writing, especially when describing leaders, speakers, or figures of authority. Its impact is typically neutral but can be seen as positive.

What does it mean when someone is described as having "A commanding voice"?

It suggests that the person speaks with authority, confidence, and presence, capable of influencing or directing others through their tone and delivery.