a weak voice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a weak voice" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone speaking softly, lacking confidence, or having a frail tone. Example: "Despite her knowledge of the subject, she presented her ideas with a weak voice, making it hard for the audience to engage."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

"Correct," the detective said in a weak voice.

The New York Times

In a weak voice, Bill said he was not going.

The New York Times - Health

"We heard the terrifying sound of the jets," Abdullah recalled in a weak voice.

Independent

To which a weak voice somewhere in the room added: "With or without us".

The New York Times

A weak voice called as she walked away, "Come back, darling".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Did you make it?" "I did indeed," replied Charlotte in a weak voice.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

"Margo?" a weak voiced pleaded from the floor of the Timmins' living room.

Huffington Post

The momentum for trade talks would shift to regional and bilateral deals, in which poor countries have a weaker voice.

The Economist

While still criticizing the Obama administration, albeit with a weaker voice and without so much combativeness and brashness, Cheney seems to be more interested these days in claiming his place in history and in promoting his upcoming book, In My Time: A Personal and Political Memoir.

Huffington Post

The media can be an effective channel for those stakeholders with a weaker voice in policy deliberations to raise public attention to particular issues; however, the political and institutional context must be taken into account as it may outweigh media framing effects.

BMC International Health and Human Rights

"I'm Heather, I'm the nurse!" "Feel good," Ruth said, in a high, weak voice, and smiled up at her. Ruth lived in a brick apartment building on Ocean Avenue, in Sheepshead Bay.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's emotional state, using "a weak voice" can effectively convey vulnerability, illness, or lack of confidence. Be sure that the context supports this interpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "a weak voice" excessively in dialogue descriptions. Vary your descriptions with other sensory details to create a more vivid and engaging reading experience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a weak voice" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "weak" modifies the noun "voice". Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used to describe a person's manner of speaking.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a weak voice" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe a voice lacking strength or volume, often conveying vulnerability, illness, or lack of confidence. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and frequency in various contexts. As illustrated by Ludwig's examples, it is frequently encountered in news reports, literary works, and personal narratives. While generally neutral in tone, its specific implications depend on the context. When using this phrase, consider alternative descriptions like "a faint voice" or "a soft voice" for nuanced expression and avoid overuse to maintain a vivid writing style. Top sources include The New York Times, The New Yorker and The Guardian among others.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a faint voice

Focuses on the audibility of the voice, implying it's hard to hear.

a feeble voice

Suggests a lack of strength or energy in the voice.

a soft voice

Emphasizes the low volume and gentleness of the voice.

a frail voice

Highlights the delicate and vulnerable quality of the voice.

a low voice

Indicates a voice that is quiet in volume, but does not necessarily imply weakness.

a shaky voice

Suggests nervousness or emotional distress affecting the voice.

a trembling voice

Similar to "a shaky voice", implying fear or vulnerability.

a faltering voice

Highlights the unsteady or hesitant nature of the voice.

a breathy voice

Describes a voice quality characterized by excessive air leakage.

a muffled voice

Indicates a voice that is unclear and difficult to understand.

FAQs

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

You can use "a weak voice" to describe someone who is ill, scared, or lacks confidence. For example: "Speaking from bed with "a weak voice", he pleaded for help."

What are some alternatives to "a weak voice"?

You can use alternatives like "a faint voice", "a soft voice", or "a feeble voice" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "in a weak voice" or "with a weak voice"?

"In a weak voice" and "with a weak voice" are both grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably, although "in a weak voice" is more common.

What does it mean when someone has "a weak voice"?

Having "a weak voice" can indicate physical weakness, illness, emotional distress, or a lack of confidence. The specific meaning depends on the context.