a desperate voice

USAGE SUMMARY

"a desperate voice" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe the emotional tone of someone's voice or words. For example, "She heard her father's voice on the other end of the line, and it was a desperate voice, full of fear and worry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

"They're away for the Japanese-beetle season," said the maid, in a desperate voice.

The New Yorker

I could hear him calling, "Susie, Susie", in a desperate voice until at last he was able to put the phone to her little muzzle and I heard her plaintive mew.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

If you suddenly hear yourself announcing in a desperate voice, "For the love of God, pass the damn wine!" this may be an indication that you have arrived at your breaking point.

Forbes

Off! Nazi! Scum! Fuck off Nazi scum!" A little further down the line a desperate voice cried out, "Don't call them scum!

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The premise was that some young man, weary of pursuit by a woman whom he had lately deprived of his virility, began saving her desperate voice mails and posting them on the site -- both for personal catharsis and in solidarity with overpursued Casanovas everywhere.

The New York Times - Magazine

In her cracked, desperate voice it sounds like something so incredible that losing it would be devastating.

The New York Times - Arts

There are so many of them, a litany of desperate voices.

The New York Times

By the time Maxo's body was uncovered, cell phones were finally working again, bringing a flurry of desperate voices.

The New Yorker

Reeling from reports of Russian hackers and confounded by a president-elect viewed by many as a fascist-in-making, desperate voices from both the left and right called on the electors to vote their conscience.

The Guardian - Opinion

The initial dreamers were Harvey, an English and creative writing teacher at DePaul, and his friend Hallie Gordon of Steppenwolf Theater, who wanted to give a public forum to some of the city's most desperate voices.

Huffington Post

In the corridor, people with lost-looking faces, oversized bags and desperate voices were still trying to find their quarters.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a desperate voice" to vividly portray a character's emotional state in a story or to emphasize the urgency of a situation in news reporting.

Common error

Avoid using "a desperate voice" in professional or academic writing unless you are specifically analyzing emotional tone. Opt for more neutral language to maintain objectivity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a desperate voice" functions primarily as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It describes the quality and emotional tone of someone's voice, conveying a sense of urgency, anxiety, and hopelessness. This usage is supported by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

12%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Science

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a desperate voice" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe someone's emotional state as conveyed through their speech. According to Ludwig AI, it is perfectly correct to use this phrase in written English. Predominantly found in news and media, it serves to evoke empathy and emphasize the urgency of a situation. While versatile, avoid overuse in professional settings where objectivity is key. Consider alternatives like "a frantic tone" or "a pleading tone" depending on the specific context. Though the phrase is valid, remember to use it judiciously to maximize its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a voice full of desperation

Highlights the state of being desperate rather than focusing on the voice.

a voice filled with despair

Emphasizes the feeling of hopelessness conveyed through speech.

a distressed tone

Highlights the speaker's suffering and anxiety.

a panicky voice

Describes a state of uncontrolled anxiety affecting speech.

a frantic tone

Focuses on the manner of speaking rather than the quality of the voice itself.

a fearful tone

Conveys the speaker's apprehension or dread.

a voice laced with urgency

Focuses on the critical need for immediate action communicated through the voice.

a pleading tone

Emphasizes the act of begging or imploring through speech.

a voice trembling with fear

Highlights the physical manifestation of fear in the speaker's voice.

an anguished cry

Suggests a sound of extreme pain or sorrow, possibly louder or more sudden than a voice.

FAQs

How can I describe someone who is speaking anxiously without using the phrase "a desperate voice"?

You could use phrases like "a frantic tone", "a pleading tone", or "a distressed tone" to convey anxiety in speech.

What is the difference between "a desperate voice" and "a pleading voice"?

"A desperate voice" suggests a sense of hopelessness and urgency, while "a pleading voice" specifically indicates that the speaker is begging or appealing for something.

In what situations is it most appropriate to use the phrase "a desperate voice"?

This phrase is most appropriate when you want to highlight the extreme emotional state of a speaker, often in situations involving crisis, loss, or urgent need. It's commonly found in news reports and fictional narratives to create impact.

Are there any synonyms for "desperate" that I can use to modify "voice"?

Yes, you can use words like "anguished", "fearful", or "panicky" to modify "voice". For example, "a fearful tone" or "a panicky voice" could be good alternatives.