a whisper of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a whisper of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a faint or subtle indication of something, often conveying a sense of delicacy or nuance. Example: "There was a whisper of doubt in her voice as she spoke about the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not a whisper of dissent then.

Independent

Not even a whisper of discontent.

The New York Times

There isn't a whisper of instruction.

The Guardian - Tech

Not even a whisper of protest.

The New York Times - Style

There was barely a whisper of public protest.

The New York Times

There was never a whisper of our passports being marked.

The New York Times - Magazine

The message isn't always delivered in a whisper, of course.

The Washington Post

A whisper of vanilla or another spice is sometimes added.

The New York Times - Food

"From a whisper of love, I found myself in love," Um Kalthoum sang.

The Washington Post

It offered a whisper of plumlike flavor and a whiff of chocolate.

The New York Times

The event provoked nary a whisper of censure in the German press.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a whisper of" to add subtlety and nuance to your writing. It's effective for describing faint sensory experiences, emotions, or abstract qualities.

Common error

Avoid using "a whisper of" excessively in formal or technical writing where precise measurements or descriptions are required. Opt for more specific and quantifiable terms instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a whisper of" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying nouns by indicating a subtle or faint presence of something. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

16%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a whisper of" is a versatile phrase used to describe the faint presence or subtle indication of something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally acceptable, its suitability depends on the desired level of formality, with more precise language preferred in highly technical contexts. Alternatives such as "a hint of" or "a trace of" can be used to convey similar meanings. When using "a whisper of", focus on enhancing the descriptive nature of your writing. The high frequency and varied applications make it a valuable addition to any writer's toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a hint of

Indicates a slight or indirect suggestion or indication, similar to a faint presence.

a trace of

Suggests a very small amount or indication that something was present.

a touch of

Implies a slight amount added or present.

a suggestion of

Indicates a subtle indication or implication.

an inkling of

Suggests a vague idea or suspicion.

a glimmer of

Implies a faint or wavering light or sign.

a shadow of

Indicates a faint or less substantial version of something.

a suspicion of

Suggests a slight feeling of doubt or mistrust.

a breath of

Implies a small amount, often referring to air or a light breeze.

a tinge of

Indicates a slight degree of a color or feeling.

FAQs

How can I use "a whisper of" in a sentence?

You can use "a whisper of" to describe something that is barely perceptible or subtly present, for example, "There was "a whisper of doubt" in her voice" or "The dish had "a whisper of garlic"".

What are some alternatives to "a whisper of"?

Alternatives include "a hint of", "a trace of", "a touch of", or "a suggestion of" depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a whisper of" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, consider the tone and audience. In highly formal or technical contexts, more precise language may be preferred. However, in creative or descriptive writing, "a whisper of" can add a delicate touch.

What's the difference between "a whisper of" and "a hint of"?

"A whisper of" suggests something is barely noticeable or very subtle, while "a hint of" implies a slightly stronger indication or suggestion. The choice depends on the degree of subtlety you wish to convey.