a soft murmur

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a soft murmur" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a gentle or quiet sound, often in contexts related to speech or nature. Example: "As the sun set, a soft murmur of the waves could be heard in the distance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

There was a soft murmur of assent.

The New York Times

Then, as one, they began to pray for the children still trapped inside, a soft murmur going up as the layers of concrete trembled perilously under their feet.

Independent

He also briefly mentions a "song" given at the nest by the female just before a brooding bout, which he described as only a soft murmur with a very low volume.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The room below us was quiet except for a soft murmuring of voices and the vibrato of bed springs.

The New Yorker

The only immediate answer was the soft murmur of a TV.

The Washington Post

Cardiac auscultation revealed a left parasternal heave, a palpable second heart sound, single and loud S2 and a soft pansystolic murmur of triscupid regurgitation.

Stanford University

A single whisper brings together the prayers and cries, and mixes with the soft murmur of autumn trees.

City, Territory and Architecture

Singing these words in his usual soft murmur, Mr. Johnson sounds seriously bummed.

The New York Times - Arts

It was serve yourself, and people got their food and found seating in the soft light, forks clicking against plates, the soft murmur of voices.

The New York Times

Once inside, all is quiet, save for the hush of hair dryers, the soft murmur of Spanish, the trickle of running water.

The Washington Post

With Vaseline, warm water, a toothbrush and soft murmurs, she showed her how to combat cradle cap, a scaly buildup on the scalp.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a soft murmur" to create a sense of tranquility or intimacy in your writing. It works well in descriptions of nature, quiet conversations, or peaceful settings.

Common error

Avoid repeatedly using "a soft murmur" to describe how characters speak. Vary your dialogue attribution with more descriptive verbs to keep your writing engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a soft murmur" functions primarily as a noun phrase describing a type of sound. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is correct and usable in written English. This phrase is frequently used to add a descriptive element to settings or to characterize speech.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a soft murmur" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe a gentle, quiet sound. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. Its primary function is descriptive, often used to evoke a sense of peace or intimacy in various contexts, especially in news, academic, and scientific writing. While appropriate across different registers, it's essential to avoid overuse in dialogue attribution. Consider synonyms like "a gentle whisper" or "a quiet hum" to vary your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a delicate murmur

Replaces 'soft' with 'delicate', emphasizing the sensitivity and subtlety of the sound.

a light murmur

Replaces 'soft' with 'light', focusing on the low intensity of the sound.

a gentle whisper

Replaces 'murmur' with 'whisper', emphasizing the quietness and intimacy of the sound.

a quiet hum

Substitutes 'murmur' with 'hum', highlighting a continuous, low-frequency sound.

a low susurrus

Uses 'susurrus', a more formal term for a soft rustling or whispering sound.

a faint rustle

Focuses on a light, brushing sound, like leaves or fabric moving gently.

a subdued undertone

Emphasizes that the sound is quiet and underlies something else.

a hushed tone

Indicates a quiet, often secretive or respectful way of speaking.

a gentle undertone

Replaces 'soft murmur' with 'gentle undertone', emphasizing the quietness and underlying nature of the sound

a quiet mumble

Emphasizes inaudibility and indistinctness in the sound, replacing 'murmur' with 'mumble'.

FAQs

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

You can use "a soft murmur" to describe a quiet, gentle sound, like "The only sound was "a soft murmur" of the stream" or "She spoke in "a soft murmur" so I had to lean in to hear her."

What are some synonyms for "a soft murmur"?

Alternatives to "a soft murmur" include "a gentle whisper", "a quiet hum", or "a low susurrus", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever incorrect to use "a soft murmur"?

While grammatically correct, "a soft murmur" might not be appropriate if you need to describe a loud or harsh sound. Ensure the phrase aligns with the intended sound and context.

What is the difference between "a soft murmur" and "a quiet whisper"?

While both describe quiet sounds, ""a soft murmur"" often implies a continuous, indistinct sound, while "a quiet whisper" suggests a more deliberate, though still quiet, form of speech.