a faraway voice

USAGE SUMMARY

"a faraway voice" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is commonly used to describe someone's voice as distant or faint, indicating that the person speaking is physically far away or that their words are unclear or hard to hear. Example: "As she wandered through the deserted forest, Sarah could hear a faraway voice calling her name. She strained her ears, trying to make out the words, but the wind carried the sound away. Feeling a little spooked, she quickened her pace and headed towards the sound."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

At that, a faraway voice called, 'We're coming,' and we replied with a cacophony of shouts.

The New Yorker

"I do," she replies in a faraway voice, remembering Mata Hari.

The New Yorker

Broadway, each man says in a faraway voice, would be nice.

The New York Times

The girl then heard a faraway voice ask, "What are you doing around here?" Mr. Crump added.

The New York Times

And in a faraway voice she recalled the sight of her mother, Princess Grace, in Yves Saint Laurent's Mondrian dress.

The New York Times

Mrs. Rupp, a slightly built woman with dark hair and a faraway voice, was not keen on publicity.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

The girl, who looked fresh from Northampton, was doing her best to seem a faded but still exquisite woman of the world, told the bartender, in a bored, faraway voice, "A Martini, please, and make it very, very dry - hardly any water". This article appears in the print edition of the April 19 , 1947 issue.

The New Yorker

The girl, who looked fresh from Northampton, was doing her best to seem a faded but still exquisite woman of the world, told the bartender, in a bored, faraway voice, "A Martini, please, and make it very, very dry - hardly any water".

The New Yorker

A comforting record, "Inspiration" is an ideal companion on days when you're too depressed to make listening decisions or too down on humans to interact with any of them save a man with faraway voice and a heart.

Los Angeles Times

The song was Faraway Voice, a tribute to Eva Cassidy, which Melua composed on three strings of a broken guitar.

The Guardian - Music

After hearing Melua sing "Faraway Voice" (a song she wrote about the death of her idol Eva Cassidy) Batt signed the 18 year-old Melua to his small Dramatico recording and management company and took her into the studio, producing her first three albums during the ensuing years.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a faraway voice" to create a sense of mystery or distance in your writing. It can suggest the speaker is physically remote, emotionally detached, or speaking from a different time or place.

Common error

Don't limit the use of "a faraway voice" to situations where the speaker is literally far away. It can also describe a tone of voice that is emotionally distant or detached, even if the speaker is physically present.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a faraway voice" functions as a descriptive element, modifying the noun "voice" to indicate a quality of distance, either physical or emotional. Ludwig AI provides examples where it describes both literally distant sounds and voices conveying detachment.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a faraway voice" is a grammatically sound and evocative phrase, according to Ludwig AI, used to describe a voice that sounds distant, faint, or detached. Its usage spans from literally distant sounds to metaphorical representations of emotional distance. While most commonly found in News & Media, its presence is felt across various contexts. When writing, remember that "a faraway voice" isn't limited to physical distance but can enhance the depiction of character's feelings. Consider using alternatives such as ""distant voice"" or ""faint voice"" to add variety to your descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a distant voice

This alternative uses "distant" instead of "faraway", conveying a similar sense of separation or remoteness.

a faint voice

This alternative emphasizes the weakness or lack of clarity in the voice, suggesting it is hard to hear or understand.

a muted voice

This alternative suggests the voice is suppressed or softened, reducing its impact or audibility.

a hushed voice

This alternative suggests a quiet and subdued voice, often implying secrecy or reverence.

a weak voice

This alternative directly describes the lack of strength or projection in the voice.

an echoey voice

This alternative evokes a voice that reverberates, suggesting distance and spaciousness.

a tremulous voice

This alternative emphasizes the wavering or unsteady quality of the voice, suggesting nervousness or emotion.

a hollow voice

This alternative suggests a voice lacking in emotion or sincerity, sounding empty or artificial.

a dreamy voice

This alternative describes a voice that is ethereal and otherworldly, often detached from reality.

an ethereal voice

Similar to "dreamy voice", this suggests a light, airy, and almost otherworldly quality in the voice.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a faraway voice" in my writing?

Use "a faraway voice" to depict characters who are reminiscing, feeling detached, or speaking from a position of emotional distance. It enhances the mood and adds depth to character portrayal.

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

It typically means their voice sounds distant, faint, or detached, suggesting they are either physically remote, lost in thought, or emotionally disconnected from the present moment.

Are there any common misinterpretations of the phrase "a faraway voice"?

A common mistake is assuming it only refers to physical distance. It's crucial to recognize its broader application in describing emotional or psychological distance as well.

What are some alternative phrases to "a faraway voice" that I can use for variety?

You can use alternatives like "a "distant voice"", "a "faint voice"", or "a "muted voice"" to achieve a similar effect, depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.