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 capable of commanding attention. Example: "The leader spoke with a commanding voice that captivated the entire audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

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

More effortless, and more successful, was Kiko Rodríguez, who has a commanding voice but delivered it casually over a long performance that never flagged.

The New York Times - Arts

But the White House — in particular Rice — saw Scowcroft's op-ed as a betrayal, and as a political problem: Scowcroft has a commanding voice on national-security matters.

The New Yorker

We walked on and on, Lester occasionally passing out a leaflet and saying in a commanding voice, "You be sure to read it, now".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

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

With the audiobook, narrator Ralph Cosham has a warm, commanding voice and sounds like he really knows what he's talking about.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a commanding voice" to describe someone who not only speaks loudly, but also conveys authority and presence through their tone and delivery. It's particularly effective when describing leaders, performers, or characters with strong personalities.

Common error

Avoid using "a commanding voice" to describe someone in casual or intimate settings, as it can sound overly formal or even intimidating. Reserve it for situations where authority or power is relevant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a commanding voice" typically functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It describes a quality of someone's voice, indicating authority, power, and the ability to command attention. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Arts

22%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Science

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a commanding voice" is a phrase used to describe a voice that exudes authority, power, and the ability to command attention. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used, especially in news and media contexts. While versatile, the phrase is most effective when describing individuals who hold authority or naturally project strong personalities. Related phrases include "an authoritative voice" and "a powerful voice". When using "a commanding voice", be mindful of the context, avoiding overuse in casual settings where it may sound inappropriate. By understanding its nuances and potential misapplications, writers can use the phrase effectively to enhance their descriptions and convey a sense of authority and presence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an authoritative voice

This alternative directly replaces "commanding" with "authoritative", maintaining a similar sense of power and control but with a slightly more formal tone.

a powerful voice

This alternative shifts the focus to the strength and influence of the voice, rather than its ability to command.

an imposing voice

This alternative emphasizes the impressiveness and attention-grabbing quality of the voice.

a forceful voice

This alternative suggests a voice that is assertive and unwavering in its delivery.

a dominant voice

This alternative implies a voice that exerts control and influence over others.

a resonant voice

Focuses on the richness and depth of the voice, suggesting a captivating and memorable sound.

a magisterial voice

This alternative conveys a sense of grandeur and authority, often associated with wisdom and experience.

an impressive vocal presence

This alternative shifts from the voice itself to the overall impact and impression it makes.

a commanding presence in speech

This alternative broadens the focus to include not only voice but also overall speaking style, conveying authority and control.

a voice that demands attention

This alternative directly describes the effect of the voice, highlighting its ability to capture and hold listeners' focus.

FAQs

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

Use "a commanding voice" to describe a person's speech when it conveys authority, confidence, and presence. For example, "The general addressed the troops with "a commanding voice", inspiring them to fight."

What are some alternatives to "a commanding voice"?

You can use alternatives like "an authoritative voice", "a powerful voice", or "an imposing voice" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to describe a child as having "a commanding voice"?

While technically correct, describing a child as having "a commanding voice" might sound unusual. It's generally more suitable to use this phrase for adults in positions of authority or those who naturally project a strong presence. You might consider alternatives like "assertive" or "confident" for children.

Can "a commanding voice" be used to describe writing or music?

While less common, "a commanding voice" can be metaphorically extended to describe a writer's or composer's style that is assertive and impactful. However, be mindful that it is a less literal usage and the context should make your intent clear. For example: "The author wrote with "a commanding voice", unafraid to challenge conventional wisdom."