a captivating voice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a captivating voice" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone's voice that is enchanting or holds the listener's attention. Example: "The singer's performance was unforgettable, largely due to her captivating voice that resonated with the audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

A captivating voice often compared to recent Brit winner Ed Sheeren.

The Guardian

Why it deserved better, by Roland Philipps, managing director: "Kirsten McKenzie has written such a good and original story, with a captivating voice.

The Guardian - Books

Netrebko, whose appearance at the Metropolitan Opera on Dec. 15 in Gounod's "Roméo et Juliette" will be broadcast live in movie theaters around the world, has a captivating voice that is both high and deep, lustrous and velvety, and she is one of that growing breed of opera singers who can actually act.

The New York Times - Magazine

This slender almost spindly man has a captivating voice that ranges from bellowing baritone to piercing falsetto.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

In accord with Chinese opera idioms, Ms. Qian sings with a thin, nasal and eerily captivating voice.

The New York Times - Arts

Seldes has nothing to work with apart from her captivating voice.

The New Yorker

By 1938, thousands of Americans, including the first lady, Eleanor Roosevelt, had come to admire her captivating voice.

The New York Times - Books

"Everyone's wasted in this gruesome dream," Mr. Fagen sang in his plangent and oddly captivating voice.

The New York Times - Arts

Even for the author, there is the sense of not knowing what will come next, and being drawn along by the actor's captivating voice.

The New York Times - Books

From his early, delicate short stories in "Dubliners", to his autobiographical "A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man" and his masterpiece, "Ulysses"—which is set on his first date with Nora, June 16th 1904 Joyce's lyrical, captivating voice shines through.

The Economist

While reviewing I Am... Sasha Fierce, a critic from People magazine noted that "the classically tinged 'Ave Maria,'... shows even more range [than 'If I Were a Boy']." Spence D. of IGN Music praised "Ave Maria", writing that it shows Knowles in "crystal clear form" due to the mellow accompaniment that highlighted her "often captivating" voice.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "a captivating voice" to vividly depict a speaker or singer whose vocal qualities are particularly engaging or memorable.

Common error

While "a captivating voice" is appropriate in many situations, consider whether a more neutral term like "clear voice" or "distinct voice" would be more suitable in formal or academic writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a captivating voice" functions primarily as a descriptive phrase. It is typically used as an adjective modifying a noun, adding detail and expressing an opinion about the voice's appealing quality. Examples from Ludwig show its use in describing singers, actors, and narrators.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Wiki

18%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a captivating voice" describes a voice that is particularly attractive and engaging, often leaving a lasting impression on the listener. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and generally acceptable in written English. While it's most frequently encountered in news and media contexts, it can also appear in more informal settings. However, in formal or academic writing, consider whether a more objective or neutral descriptor would be more appropriate. The phrase's ability to convey admiration and intrigue makes it a powerful tool in descriptive writing, though careful consideration should be given to the overall tone and context of the piece.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an enthralling voice

Focuses on the voice's ability to hold someone's attention completely.

a mesmerizing voice

Highlights the hypnotic quality of the voice.

a fascinating voice

Emphasizes the intriguing and interesting nature of the voice.

an alluring voice

Suggests the voice is attractive and tempting.

an enchanting voice

Implies the voice has a magical, charming quality.

a compelling voice

Highlights the voice's ability to persuade or evoke interest.

a magnetic voice

Suggests the voice has a strong power to attract and hold attention.

a seductive voice

Implies the voice is charming and persuasive, sometimes in a misleading way.

an impressive voice

Focuses on the skill and talent evident in the voice.

a remarkable voice

Highlights the exceptional and noteworthy nature of the voice.

FAQs

How can I describe a voice similar to "a captivating voice"?

You can use alternatives like "an enthralling voice", "a mesmerizing voice", or "a fascinating voice" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a captivating voice" suitable for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a captivating voice" may sound too subjective for strictly formal contexts. Consider using more neutral terms like "a clear voice" or "a resonant voice" in academic or professional settings.

What makes a voice "captivating"?

A captivating voice possesses qualities that strongly attract and hold the listener's attention. This could be due to its tone, clarity, uniqueness, or the emotion it conveys. It leaves a lasting impression.

Which is more appropriate, "a captivating voice" or "a captivating speaker"?

The choice depends on what you want to emphasize. "A captivating voice" highlights the vocal qualities, while "a captivating speaker" focuses on the overall presentation and ability to engage an audience, which may extend beyond just the voice.