a grating voice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a grating voice" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a voice that is harsh, unpleasant, or irritating to hear. Example: "Her grating voice made it difficult for anyone to concentrate during the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

A Variety reviewer called Ms. Handler "a poor-woman's Kathy Griffin with a grating voice that could curve the spine".

The New York Times

Among other things, she has also been accused of having a grating voice and bad taste in clothes.

The New York Times

And you seem to shrug off certain phrasing that casts one candidate (usually Mrs. Clinton) in a bad light: phrases like "just as often she raises her voice to a shout that can sound grating" and "among other things, she has also been accused of having a grating voice and bad taste in clothes".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"People say, 'Well, you know, test scores don't take into account creativity and the love of learning,'" she says with a drippy, grating voice, lowering her eyelids halfway.

Huffington Post

Her grating voice alone could probably peel the filth from the Stink God.

The New York Times

But then, back in his dark apartment, the phone rings, and we hear his star's whiny, grating voice.

The New York Times - Arts

Terry Weller, taking a supper break from hauling paper from eastern Pennsylvania to Chicago, did not seem to hear the woman's grating voice.

The New York Times

Christmas carols played over and over, punctuated by admonishments from that woman with the grating voice not to accept packages from strangers.

The New York Times

Gottfried's grating voice, to say nothing of his fondness for blowjob jokes, belies his kindness, and the depth of his family life.

The New Yorker

The cold within him froze his old features, nipped his pointed nose, shriveled his cheek, stiffened his gait; made his eyes red, his thin lips blue; and spoke out shrewdly in his grating voice.

Huffington Post

Sure, the usual nutty anti-Clinton stuff is tumbling off the right-wing media branches, with Fox News suggesting her campaign was nothing more than "bra burning," while other conservatives mocked her "grating" voice.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use stronger verbs or adjectives in conjunction with the phrase to provide a more vivid and impactful description. For instance, "The politician's grating voice boomed through the auditorium", or "Her grating voice scratched at my ears".

Common error

Avoid repeatedly using "a grating voice" to describe the same character. Vary your descriptions by focusing on the character's tone, volume, or other vocal qualities to create a more nuanced and engaging portrayal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a grating voice" functions primarily as a descriptive noun phrase. It is used to characterize the quality of someone's voice, specifically emphasizing its unpleasant or irritating nature. Ludwig AI confirms that this is a standard and acceptable use in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a grating voice" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase in the English language, as validated by Ludwig AI. While not exceptionally common, it effectively describes a voice that is harsh, unpleasant, or irritating. It is most frequently found in News & Media contexts, and it conveys a negative impression of the speaker. For alternative phrasings, consider options like ""a harsh voice"" or ""an irritating voice"". When utilizing this phrase in writing, avoid overuse and consider employing stronger verbs or adjectives for a more vivid portrayal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an irritating voice

Focuses on the annoying quality of the voice rather than its harshness.

a harsh voice

Highlights the rough or severe quality of the voice.

an unpleasant voice

A more general term for a voice that is not pleasing to hear.

a jarring voice

Emphasizes the disruptive or shocking quality of the voice.

a raspy voice

Describes a voice that is rough and hoarse.

a strident voice

Indicates a loud and forceful voice, often with an unpleasant quality.

a shrill voice

Describes a high-pitched and piercing voice.

a piercing voice

Focuses on the sharp and penetrating quality of the voice.

a scratchy voice

Highlights the rough and uneven quality of the voice.

an abrasive voice

Emphasizes the irritating and unpleasant effect of the voice.

FAQs

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

"A grating voice" describes a voice that is harsh and unpleasant. For example, "The villain's a grating voice sent shivers down the hero's spine."

What are some synonyms for "a grating voice"?

Alternatives to "a grating voice" include "a harsh voice", "an irritating voice", or "an unpleasant voice" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "a grating voice" is appropriate for formal writing if you need to describe a voice that sounds harsh or unpleasant. However, consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing to ensure it's the most suitable choice.

What connotations does "a grating voice" have?

"A grating voice" typically carries negative connotations, suggesting the speaker is unpleasant or irritating. The phrase implies the voice is not only unpleasant to hear but also potentially annoying or off-putting.