a terrible voice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a terrible voice" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone's vocal quality that is unpleasant or harsh, often in contexts related to singing or speaking. Example: "Despite her passion for singing, many critics described her performance as having a terrible voice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

"I have a terrible voice".

The New York Times

But it has a terrible voice".

The New York Times - Magazine

"That Diana has a terrible voice, God help her.

The Guardian - Books

At first I say: No, I can't sing, I have a terrible voice.

The New Yorker

The girls named their female rock idols without a moment's hesitation: Ms. Froom chose Chrissie Hynde of the Pretenders, Ms. Berg picked Nico and Ms. Thomas took a deep breath and cooed, "She has a terrible voice, but I love Marianne Faithfull".

The New York Times - Style

You might assume former Distiller Brody Dalle never had a doubt about her chosen career, but as a child she says she was so scarred by being told she had a terrible voice during a school singalong of Waltzing Matilda that it put her off singing for years.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

She is a very tall woman with a really terrible voice".

The New York Times - Food

"The guy I was working with had an absolutely terrible voice; he sounded a lot like Donald Duck," Mr. Leatherman said.

The New York Times

"Mick Jagger has a fucking terrible voice.

Vice

"He was awe-inspiring, the experience he had over in the war, I never thought somebody could recognise somebody's voice yelling, a terrible, terror voice".

The Guardian

Host Martyn Day examines the extraordinary career of Vince Taylor, a great mover with terrible voice, who recorded his 1959 hit Brand New Cadillac in just 10 minutes.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's singing voice, be specific about what makes it "a terrible voice". Is it the tone, pitch, or lack of control? Providing details adds depth and clarity.

Common error

Instead of simply stating someone has "a terrible voice", consider providing constructive feedback or focusing on specific areas for improvement. This approach is more helpful and less likely to be offensive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a terrible voice" functions as a descriptive phrase, using the adjective "terrible" to modify the noun "voice". As Ludwig AI explains, it characterizes the voice as unpleasant or of poor quality. It's used to express a negative evaluation of someone's vocal abilities or the sound of their voice.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a terrible voice" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase for describing an unpleasant or poor-quality voice. Ludwig AI confirms this, highlighting its common usage across diverse sources. While "terrible" carries a strong negative connotation, the phrase itself maintains a neutral register. When using this phrase, consider providing specific details about the voice's characteristics rather than relying solely on subjective judgment. Alternatives like "awful voice" or ""harsh voice"" can offer varying shades of meaning, and context should guide your choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an awful voice

Replaces "terrible" with a synonym indicating a very unpleasant quality.

a dreadful voice

Uses a different synonym for "terrible", suggesting something causing fear or dislike.

a grating voice

Focuses on the irritating quality of the voice, implying a harsh sound.

a croaky voice

Describes a hoarse or rough voice, suggesting a lack of clarity.

a harsh voice

Highlights the unpleasant, rough quality of the voice.

an unpleasant voice

A general term for a voice that is not agreeable to listen to.

a poor singing voice

Specifies the context of singing, indicating a lack of vocal skill.

a screechy voice

Emphasizes a high-pitched and unpleasant vocal quality.

a weak voice

Highlights the lack of power and projection in the voice.

a monotone voice

Describes a voice lacking in inflection and variation.

FAQs

How can I describe "a terrible voice" more specifically?

Instead of just saying "a terrible voice", you can use more descriptive terms like "grating voice", "croaky voice", or "harsh voice" to better convey the specific unpleasant qualities.

What are some polite ways to say someone has "a terrible voice"?

To be polite, you might say someone's voice is "unpleasant" or that they have "a weak voice", avoiding overly harsh descriptors.

In what contexts is it appropriate to describe someone as having "a terrible voice"?

It's usually appropriate in critiques of performances, discussions about vocal abilities, or humorous anecdotes. However, avoid using it in situations where it might cause unnecessary offense.

What's the difference between "a terrible voice" and "a poor singing voice"?

"A terrible voice" is a general term for an unpleasant voice, while "a poor singing voice" specifically refers to someone's lack of skill or quality in singing. The latter is more focused on the ability to sing well.