a low murmur

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a low murmur" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a soft, indistinct sound, often in contexts involving conversation or ambient noise. Example: "In the quiet library, there was only a low murmur of students discussing their projects."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

A low murmur of amusement reverberated.

The New York Times

A low murmur came from the den.

The New Yorker

There is a low murmur of discontent and concern.

The Guardian

Obama took a bite and let out a low murmur.

The New Yorker

There were clusters of people sitting on the grass, chatting in a low murmur.

The Guardian

A desk full of clutter creates "a low murmur of anxiety," Ms. Morgenstern said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

Mothers lay next to them, their soothing maternal voices a low murmuring in the cavernous room.

The New York Times

Robed students with books under their arms crossed the leafy interior courtyard; there was a low murmuring of voices and pleasant chirping of birds.

The New York Times - Travel

He heard a low murmuring voice that said, "Joseph be bad".

Vice

There are a variety of contact calls: a pair often makes a low murmuring sound when preening each other while roosting, and members of a flock carry on with a quiet chattering while at rest.

Wikipedia

Sam Smith's wonderful voice, veering from a sensually low murmur to a keening contralto of emotional pain, declares that the "writing's on the wall" – for what?

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a low murmur" to effectively set a scene, indicating a background level of quiet conversation or ambient noise without being overly distracting. For instance, "The restaurant had a cozy atmosphere with a low murmur of diners enjoying their meals."

Common error

Avoid using "a low murmur" when describing sounds that are intended to be distinct or attention-grabbing. This phrase is best suited for subtle, almost imperceptible sounds rather than prominent ones.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a low murmur" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject or object to describe a particular type of sound. Ludwig examples show it describing background noise or subdued conversation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

96%

Science

2%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a low murmur" is a common and versatile expression used to describe a soft, indistinct sound, often associated with voices or ambient noise. As Ludwig AI verifies, it's grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media contexts. Its effectiveness lies in its ability to create a sense of quiet atmosphere. When using this phrase, consider the subtle intensity you want to convey and ensure it aligns with the overall tone of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a soft murmur

Replaces "low" with "soft", emphasizing the gentle nature of the sound.

a quiet murmur

Substitutes "low" with "quiet", highlighting the lack of volume.

a faint murmur

Uses "faint" instead of "low" to stress the barely audible quality of the sound.

a hushed murmur

Replaces "low" with "hushed", suggesting a deliberate attempt to keep the sound down.

a gentle murmur

Uses "gentle" instead of "low" to describe the pleasant, non-intrusive nature of the sound.

a subdued murmur

Replaces "low" with "subdued", indicating a controlled or restrained sound.

a muffled murmur

Uses "muffled" instead of "low", suggesting the sound is indistinct and partially blocked.

a low susurrus

Substitutes "murmur" with "susurrus", a more poetic term for a soft, whispering sound.

a quiet rustling

Replaces "murmur" with "rustling", focusing on the sound of soft, brushing movements.

a faint whisper

Replaces "murmur" with "whisper", emphasizing the human origin and quietness of the sound.

FAQs

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

"A low murmur" is typically used to describe a soft, indistinct background sound, often of voices. For example, "There was a low murmur of conversation coming from the next room."

What are some alternatives to "a low murmur"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a soft murmur", "a quiet hum", or "a faint whisper".

Is it appropriate to use "a low murmur" to describe a loud sound?

No, "a low murmur" describes a quiet, indistinct sound. Describing a loud sound with this phrase would be contradictory. Use alternatives like "uproar" or "clamor" for loud sounds.

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

"A low murmur" implies a quiet and subtle sound, while "a loud murmur" would suggest a more pronounced and noticeable sound. While the phrase "a loud murmur" is less common, it could be used to emphasize the intensity of a generally quiet sound.