a low moan

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a low moan" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a soft, low sound made by a person or animal, often indicating discomfort, pleasure, or a similar emotion. Example: "In the quiet of the night, she let out a low moan, revealing her deep sense of longing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Yai made a low moan and shifted beneath us.

The Guardian - Books

With a low moan, he grasped the glass of camphor at the head of his bed and instead of sniffing it poured it over himself.

The New Yorker

I know you!" The crowd let out a low moan – a collective acknowledgment of both disbelief and despair at the woman's boldness in the presence of white aggressors.

The Guardian

"Blood was streaming out around his neck and through his jacket," he said before breaking off and emitting a low moan.

The Guardian

As a southbound train rolled into the station, it emitted a low moan instead of the familiar metal screech, registering around 100 decibels, slightly more than the noise produced by a garbage disposal.

The New York Times

Briggs, awakening in the midst of loud shouts of fear and apprehension, came to the quick conclusion that he was suffocating and that we were all trying to "bring him out". With a low moan, he grasped the glass of camphor at the head of his bed and instead of sniffing it poured it over himself.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

As they slowly raised the curved lid, it made a low, moaning sound.

The New York Times

The tiny crakes in the genus Sarothrura have a variety of melodious calls, the buff-spotted crake (S. elegans) making a low moaning noise like the sound of a tuning fork.

Encyclopedia Britannica

On entering he lit a match to guide him along the aisle, and when approaching the altar at the rear, his attention was attracted by a low moaning sound, which gradually increased and at the same time drew nearer to him.

The New York Times

Taking their position in the centre of the church, in total darkness, they had remained there but a short time when they heard a low moaning sound, apparently proceeding from the vicinity of the pulpit, which gradually grew louder and came nearer until it finally culminated around their heads into howls, yells, groans, &c., and then gradually died away as it came.

The New York Times

Just a low, moaning sound.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a low moan" to create a sense of unease or subtle distress in your writing. The adjective "low" adds a layer of subtlety, suggesting the sound is not overt or dramatic.

Common error

Avoid using "a low moan" when describing loud or forceful sounds. A moan, by definition, is a soft, often prolonged sound, and the adjective "low" further emphasizes its quiet nature.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a low moan" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a specific type of sound. Ludwig AI validates the grammatical correctness of this phrase, confirmed by numerous examples of its use across diverse sources.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Academia

1%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a low moan" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a subtle sound of discomfort, pleasure, or distress. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and wide-ranging applicability. It is most commonly found in news and media sources, adding depth to descriptive writing. While it may not be appropriate for all formal contexts, it is a versatile phrase that effectively conveys a specific auditory image. Alternatives include "a soft groan" and "a quiet murmur", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a barely audible moan

Highlights the very quiet and subtle nature of the moan.

a soft groan

Replaces "moan" with "groan", indicating a slightly different type of low sound, perhaps more indicative of pain or effort.

a hushed groan

Emphasizes the quiet and secretive nature of the groan.

a muffled groan

Similar to "a soft groan" but emphasizing the sound's obstructed or indistinct quality.

a suppressed whimper

Indicates a sound of distress that is being held back.

a quiet murmur

Shifts the focus from a sound of distress to a quieter, less defined sound.

a faint sigh

Suggests a light, breathy sound, possibly expressing relief or resignation.

a subdued lament

Elevates the expression to a more formal or literary register, suggesting sorrow or mourning.

a deep rumble

Implies a low-frequency sound, perhaps emanating from an object or the environment rather than a person.

an undertone of sorrow

Shifts from describing a sound to implying the presence of sadness or grief.

FAQs

How can I use "a low moan" in a sentence?

You can use "a low moan" to describe a subtle sound of pain, discomfort, or pleasure. For example: "She emitted "a low moan" as she stretched her aching muscles."

What's the difference between "a low moan" and "a loud groan"?

"A low moan" describes a quiet, subtle sound, often expressing mild discomfort or pleasure. "A loud groan"/s/a+loud+groan, on the other hand, suggests a more intense and forceful expression of pain or effort.

What can I say instead of "a low moan"?

You can use alternatives like "a soft groan", "a quiet murmur", or "a suppressed whimper" depending on the context.

Is "a low moan" an appropriate phrase to use in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, the phrase "a low moan" might be more suited for descriptive or narrative writing. In formal contexts, consider alternative ways to convey the emotion or situation without directly referencing the sound, such as describing someone's facial expression or body language.