a grave voice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a grave voice" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a voice that is serious, solemn, or deep in tone, often conveying importance or gravity. Example: "The judge spoke in a grave voice, emphasizing the seriousness of the charges."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

The mayor, in a grave voice, concurred: "Not a chance".

The New York Times

Here my father spoke to me in a grave voice, and familiar things had other names.

The New Yorker

"Britain is on the brink of panic," the correspondent said in a grave voice.

The New Yorker

"Britain is on the brink of panic,'' the correspondent said in a grave voice.

The New Yorker

Dad likes to say this in a grave voice, as if it explained her jaundiced pitilessness: "Boys.

The New Yorker

He sounds like dons and actors used to sound - a grave voice, sometimes sardonic and at other times theatrical with loss.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

A grave voice-over piped in: "You might think we are exaggerating, but this is what your children are watching on television".

The New York Times - Magazine

And in a very grave voice, he told the people of London a tale of strange happenings in Shanghai.

The Guardian

He heard the noise of balking and a sad, grave voice saying, "Doing fine, now.

The New Yorker

But there was little evidence that the attacks or the fallout from them played any special role in the elections other than to spur candidates of all political persuasions to make a call, usually in a subdued and grave voice, for stronger and more vigilant national security.

The New York Times

Mr. Cohen places his songs between the earthbound and the sublime, and his performance embodied that contrast in the vocals: his grave voice, a baritone that has lately been plunging toward bass but will still carry a tune, and the weightless near-whispers of his female backup singers.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a grave voice" when you want to convey a sense of seriousness, importance, or impending doom. It's effective in setting a specific mood or atmosphere in writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a grave voice" in lighthearted or humorous scenes. Its serious connotation can clash with the intended tone, creating an awkward or unintentionally funny effect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a grave voice" functions as a descriptive element, specifically modifying a noun (voice) to convey a particular quality or characteristic. As noted by Ludwig, the phrase is commonly used and grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Academia

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a grave voice" is a descriptive phrase used to convey seriousness, solemnity, or importance in a speaker's tone. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, particularly in News & Media contexts. While it may not be the most frequent expression, its specific connotation makes it a powerful tool for setting a mood or emphasizing the weight of a message. Remember to use it judiciously, avoiding situations where its serious tone would be inappropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a somber voice

Replaces "grave" with "somber", emphasizing a mournful or melancholic quality.

a solemn voice

Substitutes "grave" with "solemn", highlighting the formality and seriousness of the voice.

a serious voice

Replaces "grave" with "serious", focusing on the lack of levity in the voice.

a weighty voice

Emphasizes the importance and impact conveyed by the voice.

a deep, grave voice

Adds "deep" to further describe the tonal quality, suggesting a low and resonant sound.

a subdued voice

Focuses on the restrained and quiet nature of the voice, implying a lack of animation.

a low voice

Describes the pitch of the voice, often associated with seriousness.

an earnest voice

Highlights the sincerity and seriousness conveyed through the voice.

a measured tone

Shifts from "voice" to "tone", emphasizing the careful and deliberate manner of speaking.

a solemn tone

Shifts from "voice" to "tone", emphasizing the serious and formal character.

FAQs

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

You can use "a grave voice" to describe someone speaking seriously or solemnly. For example, "The doctor delivered the diagnosis in "a grave voice"."

What does "a grave voice" imply?

It implies seriousness, solemnity, and a sense of importance or weight. It suggests the speaker is conveying something significant and potentially concerning.

Which is more appropriate, "a grave voice" or "a serious tone"?

Both are suitable, but "a grave voice" specifically describes the sound of the voice, while "a serious tone" refers to the overall manner or attitude conveyed.

What are some situations where describing someone's voice as "grave" would be effective?

Describing a voice as "grave" is effective when delivering bad news, imparting important warnings, or creating a suspenseful atmosphere.