a grating sound

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a grating sound" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a harsh, unpleasant noise that is often irritating to hear. Example: "As I walked through the old building, I was startled by a grating sound coming from the pipes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Then there's a grating sound.

The New Yorker

Then we hear a grating sound — teeth meeting porcelain — followed by an off-screen scream: "Damn it!

The New York Times - Magazine

The sound in the scene is very specific; a soft rustling as the plastic wheels pass along carpeted hallways interspersed with a grating sound as they rattle over the wooden floors in between.

The New York Times

"Micro" began tentatively, when Rigal trim and bearded, wearing gray jeans, dark shoes, and a glittery blue-and-white cropped jacket with a jagged "S" on it, bare-chested underneath approached a microphone on a stand and, lit starkly from above, began a slow, investigative duet with it, wheeling its base around the floor, accompanied by a grating sound, then the roar of a train.

The New Yorker

The machine emits a grating sound of effort, like coughing up money hurts.

Huffington Post

What happens is that the bones rub against each other, resulting in a grating sound.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

If it's a timer that will make a loud or grating sound when it goes off, muffle the sound by putting it in a drawer or wrapping fabric around it.

WikiHow

Crepitus was defined as a gravel-like, "grating" sound emanating from the TMJ during mandibular movement, which was audible to or palpable by the examiner.

Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

At first, there was merely a grim fascination at the grating sound of a working man's voice.

The Guardian - Opinion

Squeaking, defined as a reproducible squeaking, clicking, or grating sound, is an underestimated problem that is recurrent in ceramic-on-ceramic THA.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Donned a mesh T-shirt, leapt on the kitchen table and brazenly danced to the new Lady Gaga gay anthem "Born This Way," which is a dead ringer for Madonna's "Express Yourself," which was a dead ringer for this horribly grating sound I heard coming out from under a passing school bus one day.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a sound, consider using "a grating sound" to convey a sense of unpleasantness and irritation. This phrase is particularly effective when the sound is rough, harsh, or grinding.

Common error

Avoid pairing "grating" with redundant adjectives like "harsh" or "unpleasant" when describing a sound. The word "grating" already implies these qualities, so adding similar adjectives can make the description unnecessarily repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a grating sound" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "grating" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "sound". Ludwig's examples show it being used to describe various unpleasant noises, such as teeth meeting porcelain or the movement of objects across surfaces.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

8%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a grating sound" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase that describes a harsh, unpleasant noise. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides various examples from reputable sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian. While not overly common, it's effective for conveying irritation and roughness in both formal and informal contexts. For alternatives, consider "an irritating noise" or "a harsh noise" to achieve a similar effect. It's also important to avoid redundancy by not pairing "grating" with other similar adjectives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an irritating noise

Focuses on the annoying quality of the sound rather than its specific texture.

a harsh noise

Emphasizes the unpleasant and severe nature of the sound.

an abrasive sound

Highlights the rough, grinding quality of the sound.

a jarring sound

Stresses the startling and disruptive effect of the sound.

a scraping sound

Specifies a sound produced by something rubbing against a surface.

a grinding noise

Implies a continuous, harsh, and often metallic sound.

an unpleasant din

Refers to a loud, confused, and disagreeable mixture of sounds.

a strident tone

Describes a harsh and loud quality of a sound, more often applied to voices or musical instruments.

a discordant sound

Indicates a lack of harmony or agreement in the sound.

a cacophonous noise

Emphasizes the harshness and disharmony of the sound, often suggesting a mixture of loud and unpleasant sounds.

FAQs

How can I describe "a grating sound"?

You can describe "a grating sound" as harsh, irritating, or unpleasant. It suggests a rough or grinding quality. For example, the sound of metal scraping against concrete can be described as "a grating sound".

What are some alternatives to "a grating sound"?

Alternatives to "a grating sound" include "an irritating noise", "a harsh noise", or "an abrasive sound". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuances you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a grating sound" in formal writing?

Yes, "a grating sound" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when precise descriptions are needed. It is more descriptive than simply saying "an unpleasant sound".

What does "a grating sound" typically imply?

"A grating sound" typically implies a rough, harsh, and often irritating noise. It often suggests friction or rubbing between surfaces. For instance, the "scraping sound" of fingernails on a chalkboard is a classic example of "a grating sound".