a severe voice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a severe voice" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a tone of voice that is strict, harsh, or serious, often conveying authority or disapproval. Example: "The teacher spoke in a severe voice, warning the students about the consequences of their actions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"Let me ask you," demanded the woman on the phone in a severe voice.

Forbes

"I can't overemphasize just how negatively a severe voice problem can impact someone's life," says co-author Nathan Welham, an associate professor of surgery at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health in Madison.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

A scarred VF causes severe voice problems [ 2].

BioMed Research International

Brantigan et al. [11] observed severe voice changes in 1.1 % (7/664) of elective SCT cases.

JA Clinical Reports

However, objective assessment of speech disorders and severe voice disorders are neither nationally nor internationally standardized [4].

EURASIP Journal on Audio, Speech, and Music Processing

Inevitably, large defects after surgery will lead to severe voice handicap and swallowing disability.

BioMed Research International

However, laryngectomy, especially for those with severe and large area defects, often causes severe voice handicap, physical deformities, and emotional pain to the patients [ 2, 3].

BioMed Research International

Hemorrhagic vocal polyps are known to develop from phonotrauma such as severe voice abuse or misuse, and these benign vocal fold lesions can lead to acute or persistent dysphonia or hoarseness.

BioMed Research International

Keep a stern voice.

WikiHow

Aubame, whom journalist Ronald Matthews descried as having "a curiously harsh voice, a severe appearance, and... a stern character", died in 1989 in Libreville.

Wikipedia

During rehearsals for his scene, McGee purposely kept his voice down to prevent a severe headache.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character or speaker, use "a severe voice" to quickly convey a sense of authority, disapproval, or seriousness. Be mindful of the context to ensure it aligns with the intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "a severe voice" too frequently in your writing, as it can become repetitive and lose its impact. Consider using synonyms or other descriptive phrases to add variety and nuance to your descriptions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a severe voice" primarily functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying the noun "voice". It adds detail and characterization, indicating the manner of speaking. Ludwig AI confirms its use in describing tone and delivery.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a severe voice" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to describe a stern, harsh, or serious tone. While Ludwig AI confirms its validity, its usage is relatively rare. It functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, often found in News & Media and Scientific contexts. When using "a severe voice", consider synonyms like "a stern tone" or "a harsh tone of voice" to diversify your writing and avoid overuse. The most frequent contexts for this expression are News & Media, Science and Wiki. Although it's correct, consider if it is the most descriptive and nuanced choice for your desired meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a stern tone

Replaces "voice" with "tone" and "severe" with "stern", focusing on the manner of speaking.

a harsh tone of voice

Adds "of voice" for clarity and replaces "severe" with "harsh", emphasizing the unpleasantness.

a strict voice

Substitutes "severe" with "strict", highlighting the adherence to rules or standards.

an authoritarian voice

Replaces "severe" with "authoritarian", emphasizing the commanding nature of the voice.

a commanding voice

Focuses on the commanding aspect of the voice, suggesting authority.

an austere voice

Replaces "severe" with "austere", conveying a sense of seriousness and lack of warmth.

a firm voice

Substitutes "severe" with "firm", highlighting the resolute and unwavering quality of the voice.

an unrelenting voice

Emphasizes the persistent and unyielding nature of the voice.

a disapproving tone

Shifts focus to the conveyed emotion, highlighting the disapproval expressed through the voice.

a censorious voice

Implies a critical and fault-finding quality of the voice.

FAQs

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

You can use "a severe voice" to describe someone speaking in a stern or critical manner. For example, "The principal addressed the students in "a severe voice", warning them about the consequences of their actions."

What are some synonyms for "a severe voice"?

Alternatives include "a stern voice", "a harsh tone", or "a strict tone", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "a severe voice" is appropriate in formal writing when you need to describe someone speaking in a stern or authoritative way. However, consider your audience and the overall tone of your piece.

What's the difference between "a severe voice" and "a critical voice"?

"A severe voice" implies strictness or harshness in tone, while "a critical voice" suggests a fault-finding or judgmental attitude. While they can overlap, the focus differs: severity emphasizes the manner of speaking, while criticism emphasizes the content.