a troubled voice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a troubled voice" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone speaking in a way that conveys distress, anxiety, or emotional turmoil. Example: "She spoke with a troubled voice, revealing the weight of her worries."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

For instance, that my vanished husband is neither here nor there; he's reduced himself to a troubled voice on the telephone three or four times a day.

The New Yorker

Mark Rylance, who is best known as a Shakespearean stage actor, has a melancholy widow's peak, beautiful dark eyes, and a troubled voice in which contempt blends with yearning.

The New Yorker

When I walked into the tent that served as our makeshift command post, my gunnery sergeant - a man twice my age who had earned a Bronze Star for his actions in combat during Desert Storm - pulled me aside and told me, in a troubled voice, that my smell was distracting.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

A more troubled voice emerges from Gretchen's notes for a darker book about her search for the man who killed her mother.

The New York Times - Books

In a strained, troubled voice, Isaac Brock sang about his uncertain place in the universe and all the ways that his life goes wrong, while the music worked its way from calm, almost folky guitar lines to sprawling, discordant buildups.

The New York Times - Arts

For all the artificial splendor, there's clearly a very human, very troubled voice at the center of these songs.

The New York Times - Arts

Peace's impersonation of Clough is a skilful act of ventriloquism, which makes imaginative use of a troubled inner voice: "jobless and boozing, fat and fucked, you are in hell".

The Guardian - Books

His thoughtful, troubled voice comes through the twinkling patterns like a gentle conscience.

The New York Times

This week, the central committee of the Communist Party was reported to be preparing to hold a ten-day plenum to discuss the country's economic future.In this section The battle plan No trade Hong's Kong's troubled voice New leader, new Indonesia?

The Economist

Ordinary Indonesians, still reeling from a series of tumultuous events including this week the formal acceptance that East Timor would be set free (see article)—were left wondering what was going on in their country.In this section The battle plan No trade Hong's Kong's troubled voice New leader, new Indonesia?

The Economist

Ms Cheung, a fierce defender of RTHK's independence, had riled some of Mr Tung's pro-China cronies by allowing critical coverage.In this section The battle plan No trade Hong's Kong's troubled voice New leader, new Indonesia?

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a troubled voice" to effectively depict a character's internal state or emotional distress, adding depth to your narrative.

Common error

Avoid using "a troubled voice" to describe physical voice impairments, such as hoarseness or a sore throat. This phrase is specifically related to emotional or psychological distress, not physical ailments. Consider using "hoarse voice" or "strained voice" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a troubled voice" functions primarily as a descriptive element within a sentence, modifying a noun (often a person) to indicate their emotional state as conveyed through their speech. Ludwig examples confirm this usage, portraying speakers experiencing distress, anxiety, or inner conflict.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a troubled voice" is a phrase used to describe speech that reflects emotional distress, anxiety, or inner turmoil. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and effectively conveys a character's internal state. While relatively uncommon, its usage is primarily found in news and media, highlighting its suitability for both formal and informal contexts. When writing, use this phrase to add depth to your descriptions, but avoid misinterpreting it to describe physical vocal issues. Consider alternatives such as "a distressed tone" or "an anxious voice" to fine-tune the specific emotion you wish to portray.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a distressed tone

Focuses on the tone of voice as being distressed.

an anxious voice

Emphasizes the anxiety reflected in the voice.

a worried tone

Highlights the worry conveyed through the speaker's voice.

a voice filled with concern

Emphasizes the presence of concern in the voice.

a voice laced with anxiety

Conveys a strong sense of underlying anxiety affecting the voice.

a heavy voice

Suggests the voice is burdened by sadness or worry.

a sorrowful voice

Focuses on the sorrow and sadness evident in the voice.

a shaky voice

Indicates the voice is trembling, usually due to nerves or fear.

a trembling voice

Similar to shaky, emphasizes the physical trembling of the voice.

a voice full of apprehension

Highlights the feeling of apprehension conveyed in the voice.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a troubled voice" in a sentence?

Use "a troubled voice" to describe someone's speech when they are conveying distress, anxiety, or emotional turmoil. For example: "She spoke with "a troubled voice", revealing the weight of her worries".

What are some alternatives to "a troubled voice"?

You can use alternatives like "a distressed tone", "an anxious voice", or "a worried tone" depending on the specific emotion you want to convey.

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

Yes, "a troubled voice" is appropriate for use in formal writing as long as it accurately reflects the emotional state of the speaker or character being described. The phrase is well-understood and commonly used in literature and journalism.

What is the difference between "a troubled voice" and "a strained voice"?

"A troubled voice" describes an emotional state reflected in speech, while "a strained voice" often refers to a physical condition or effort in speaking. A strained voice might indicate the person is shouting or has a sore throat, whereas a troubled voice suggests emotional distress.