a hard voice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'a hard voice' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a voice that is stern, unwavering, or unyielding. For example, "The principal spoke with a hard voice as she informed the students about the rules."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Self-righteousness surges like a current from his feet up through his 5-foot-8 frame, energizing a hard voice that strikes a listener in the chest.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Well," Annagret said in a harder voice.

The New Yorker

I react and say with a slightly hard voice, "Was that a good one?" Noah says, "Let's try another".

The New York Times - Magazine

It was a straight, hard voice, the words falling out halfway between a shout and a song.

The New Yorker

On the sparse and menacing "Oh Hail No," El-P delivers a string of internal rhymes, in an evenly hard voice: "Who, me?

The New Yorker

SANNEH -- She has a very particular voice: a brassy, slightly hard voice.

The New York Times - Arts

The combination of a pretty singing voice and a hard rapping voice is becoming a genre unto itself, thanks in part to Murder Inc.

The New York Times - Arts

Henry Irving, who put the ham in Hamlet, was notorious for inserting odd pauses and had "a hard caustic voice like a jet of carbolic acid".

Independent

Martinez sings in a hard, high voice, with the intermittent jumps and slower, side-stepping descents that are specific to Cuban singers.

The New Yorker

In his first novel (following the much-noticed short-story collection "Kissing in Manhattan"), Mr. Schickler does adopt a hard, clear voice; not for nothing does this book involve a symbolic set of diamonds.

The New York Times - Books

"We in here are going to do everything we can to stop Donald Trump," Booker declared in a hard, gravelly voice that brooked no doubt.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a hard voice" when you want to convey a sense of authority, sternness, or lack of emotion in someone's speech. It is particularly effective in describing characters in fiction or reporting on interactions in news and media.

Common error

Avoid using "a hard voice" in casual conversation or informal writing, as it can sound overly dramatic or unnatural. Opt for softer alternatives unless you specifically intend to convey a sense of severity or coldness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a hard voice" functions primarily as an adjective phrase modifying the noun "voice". It describes a specific quality or characteristic of the voice, indicating its tone and manner of delivery. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Arts

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a hard voice" effectively communicates a sense of sternness, authority, or emotional detachment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media, though care should be taken to avoid overuse in informal settings. Alternatives like "a stern voice" or "a firm voice" offer similar but nuanced meanings. Understanding the context and desired tone is crucial in choosing the most appropriate phrasing, with "a hard voice" best reserved for situations where conveying authority or a lack of emotion is intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a stern voice

Emphasizes the severe and uncompromising nature of the voice.

a firm voice

Highlights the resolute and unwavering quality of the voice.

a severe voice

Focuses on the strict and disapproving tone conveyed.

a rough voice

Indicates a coarse or grating quality in the vocal tone.

a gravelly voice

Suggests a low, rough sound, as if speaking through gravel.

a steely voice

Implies a cold, determined, and unyielding tone.

a sharp voice

Highlights the piercing or cutting quality of the voice.

a cold voice

Emphasizes the lack of warmth or emotion in the voice.

an icy voice

Similar to 'cold', but suggests a more distant and detached tone.

a commanding voice

Focuses on the authoritative and controlling nature of the voice.

FAQs

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

Use "a hard voice" to describe someone's tone when they are being stern, authoritative, or unemotional. For example, "The judge spoke with "a hard voice" when delivering the sentence".

What are some alternatives to "a hard voice"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a stern voice", "a firm voice", or "a severe voice". Each of these carries a slightly different nuance, so choose the one that best fits the situation.

Is it appropriate to use "a hard voice" in business communication?

While "a hard voice" can convey authority, it's generally best to use a more diplomatic tone in business communication. Unless you specifically need to assert dominance, opt for a "professional tone" that is clear and direct but not harsh.

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

It typically means the person's voice sounds stern, cold, or lacking in emotion. It can also suggest the person is being uncompromising or authoritative in their speech.