a distinct sound

USAGE SUMMARY

"a distinct sound" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe any sound that can be distinguished from other sounds. For example, "The distinct sound of seagulls echoed through the beach."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

You have quite a distinct sound.

The Guardian - Music

Each year has a distinct sound to it.

The New Yorker

There's a distinct sound made by audience members watching "The Exonerated".

The New York Times

The most striking attribute of her performance was the degree to which she addressed each of the composers on her program with a distinct sound.

The New York Times

But he created a distinct sound world for each, and he shaped the works at hand so thoughtfully that his program seemed kaleidoscopic.

The New York Times - Arts

WHEN Jacques Pépin slices a baguette, there is a distinct sound that seems to be imbued with six decades of experience in the kitchen.

The New York Times - Food

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

Mr. Zupko's use of fragmented themes that coalesce into a distinct sound-picture mirrors a technique that animates the Stravinsky as well.

The New York Times - Arts

"There's a very distinct sound when a bullet hits a body.

The Guardian

"It was a very distinct sound.

Independent

With Vallance's help, it was not long before Adams established a powerful, distinct sound, one compared to that of Rod Stewart, Paul Rodgers, and Steve Marriott.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Florence Welch, best known as lead singer for indie band Florence + the Machine, has a very distinct sound that's often described as mysterious and romantic.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a sound, follow "a distinct sound" with specific details or adjectives to illustrate its nature (e.g., "a distinct buzzing sound", "a distinct metallic sound").

Common error

Avoid using overly generic adjectives like "good" or "bad" to describe the "a distinct sound". Instead, use more descriptive terms that capture the unique qualities of the sound, such as "raspy", "melodic", or "piercing".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a distinct sound" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "distinct" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "sound". It describes a particular auditory experience, clearly set apart from others. Ludwig provides examples demonstrating this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

17%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a distinct sound" is a commonly used phrase to describe an auditory experience that is easily identifiable or unique. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for a variety of contexts, as supported by numerous examples from sources like The New York Times, Vice, and The Guardian. It functions as a noun phrase, often used to characterize and differentiate sounds based on their unique qualities. Related phrases include "a unique auditory signature" and "a recognizable sound", while potential errors involve the overuse of vague adjectives. The phrase maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a unique auditory signature

Emphasizes the uniqueness and recognizability of the sound, similar to a signature.

a characteristic sonic quality

Focuses on the quality of the sound that makes it easily identifiable.

an identifiable audio trait

Highlights a specific trait of the audio that distinguishes it.

a recognizable sound

Simplifies the phrase, emphasizing easy recognition.

a particular sound

Uses 'particular' to suggest a sound different from others.

a specific sonic texture

Highlights the sound texture as uniquely identifiable.

a signature tone

Focuses on the tonal aspect, making it stand out.

an unmistakable sound

Emphasizes that the sound cannot be mistaken for anything else.

a peculiar noise

Highlights the unusual or odd quality of the sound.

an individual sound

Underscores that the sound is unique and separate from others.

FAQs

How can I use "a distinct sound" in a sentence?

You can use "a distinct sound" to describe any sound that is easily identifiable or different from others. For example, "The engine had "a distinct sound", making it easy to recognize from afar."

What are some alternatives to saying "a distinct sound"?

Some alternatives include "a unique sound", "a recognizable sound", or "a characteristic sound", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "a distinct sound" or "a distinctive sound"?

Both "a distinct sound" and "a distinctive sound" are correct and have similar meanings. "Distinct" emphasizes separateness or clarity, while "distinctive" emphasizes recognizability or uniqueness.

What does it mean when something is described as having "a distinct sound"?

When something is described as having "a distinct sound", it means that the sound is easily identifiable and different from other sounds. This can be due to its unique qualities, such as its pitch, timbre, or rhythm.