a delicate voice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a delicate voice" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a voice that is soft, gentle, or fragile in quality, often conveying a sense of tenderness or sensitivity. Example: "As she sang, her delicate voice filled the room, captivating everyone in attendance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

She is tall, with a delicate voice.

The New Yorker

It's a dirty book anyway, In My Room by Guillaume Dustan, and as she reads the line, "I was lying on the bed jerking off, smoking a joint" in a delicate voice, the artist starts getting spattered, too.

The Guardian - Arts

Christine Schäfer, the German soprano, brings a delicate voice and a strong personality to the title role, one of her most celebrated parts, while Hanna Schwarz, who battled illness for much of her scheduled "Frau Ohne Schatten" run this winter, pursues her as the Countess Geschwitz.

The New York Times

She had a delicate voice and I could detect the underlying Spanish cadences even though she spoke in perfect English.

Huffington Post

I'm still a fan, but felt her song choice in the semi-finals, Memory from the musical Cats, was the wrong melody for her to sing because it requires a high soprano with a delicate voice.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

A tall brunet with a smooth, delicate voice -- "she knows how to use her breath like I do on my falsetto, to make it glide over the track," he said -- she is Prince's collaborator, along with keyboardist Morris Hayes, in reviving the quiet storm sound.

Los Angeles Times

As she gives a presentation about the importance of respecting our fellow species, her words are delivered with a soft, delicate voice and words and sentences flavored with ridiculousness and inauthenticity.

Huffington Post

Boston-based Merrie Amsterberg is a multi-instrumentalist with a clear, high, delicate voice who writes songs based on small observations and modestly expressed sentiment.

The New York Times

He picked up a toy gun, a "Blade Runner" prop: "I'm gonna kill someone!" Usually, Sattouf speaks in a soft, rather delicate voice; he told me that when he makes a reservation at a restaurant he lowers his voice so that he's not mistaken for a woman.

The New Yorker

It's awful.' The reason why Hoffman is now being garlanded with awards is because he has achieved not just an impersonation but an embodiment: the delicate voice is there, of course, and the fey posturing, but there is also a deep empathy with his inner turmoils.

The Guardian - Film

Luxembourg-based art-tronic project Monophona's music is a compelling combination of a fragile, delicate voices and beats with a seeping darkness running through them.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a delicate voice" to describe a vocal quality that is soft, gentle, and often conveys vulnerability or sensitivity. It's particularly effective when describing singers, children, or characters in fiction.

Common error

Avoid using "a delicate voice" to describe someone who is known for their power or authority, as it can create an incongruous image. Opt for terms like "firm" or "resonant" in such situations.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "a delicate voice" is as a noun phrase acting as a descriptor. It modifies a subject, providing information about their vocal quality. Ludwig's examples illustrate how this phrase is used to characterize individuals or musical instruments.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a delicate voice" is a noun phrase that describes a vocal quality characterized by softness, gentleness, and fragility. As Ludwig confirms, it's grammatically correct and often used in journalistic and literary contexts to portray characters or performers with sensitivity or refinement. While versatile, it's important to consider the context to ensure its appropriateness. Alternatives include "a soft voice" or "a gentle voice" depending on the intended emphasis. While Ludwig AI says it's usable in written English, the phrase's relatively low frequency suggests a need for careful consideration of its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a soft voice

Emphasizes gentleness and lack of harshness in the voice.

a gentle voice

Highlights the mild and kind nature of the voice.

a fragile voice

Suggests the voice is easily broken or strained.

a light voice

Indicates a voice that is not heavy or booming.

a sweet voice

Highlights the pleasant and agreeable quality of the voice.

a faint voice

Indicates the voice is hard to hear due to its low volume.

a whispery voice

Refers to a voice that is barely audible, like a whisper.

a thin voice

Describes a voice lacking in fullness or resonance.

a refined voice

Suggests a voice that is polished and sophisticated.

a reedy voice

Implies a thin, high-pitched, and somewhat nasal quality.

FAQs

How can I use "a delicate voice" in a sentence?

You can use "a delicate voice" to describe someone's manner of speaking. For example: "She had "a delicate voice" and I could detect the underlying Spanish cadences even though she spoke in perfect English."

What are some synonyms for "a delicate voice"?

Alternatives to "a delicate voice" include phrases like "a soft voice", "a gentle voice", or "a fragile voice", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to describe a man as having "a delicate voice"?

While it's more commonly used to describe women or children, describing a man as having "a delicate voice" can be appropriate if you're emphasizing the softness or gentleness of his tone, but it may carry connotations of effeminacy depending on the context.

What does it mean when someone is described as having "a delicate voice"?

Describing someone as having "a delicate voice" usually means their voice is soft, gentle, and perhaps slightly fragile. It suggests a lack of harshness or forcefulness in their speech.