almost sound

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "almost sound" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is nearly audible or has a quality of sound that is not quite complete. Example: "The music was so soft that it was almost sound, barely reaching our ears."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

Coming from an English person, the insults almost sound polite.

The Guardian - Film

The rapid-fire words of the tricky second movement almost sound like Morse code.

The New York Times - Arts

These key components of the Pad Thai flavour profile almost sound like a wine description.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He was a little bit stiff this morning, but he trotted up and is almost sound," the trainer said.

The Guardian - Sport

Men are impotent; the ads almost sound like lamentations from Nathan Zuckerman, Philip Roth's literary alter ego.

The New York Times

Up against Ms. Jarosz's rigorous traditionalism, Ms. Vincent can almost sound like a naïf, or maybe a heretic.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

It almost sounded amplified.

The New Yorker

They almost sounded normal.

The New York Times - Sports

They almost sounded sympathetic.

The New York Times - Arts

At times, he almost sounds happy.

The New York Times - Magazine

It almost sounds like the word "regal".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "almost sound" to describe subtle nuances in auditory experiences. It's useful when depicting sounds that are faint, indistinct, or resemble something else without fully achieving that likeness. For instance, describing background noise or imitations.

Common error

Avoid relying on "almost sound" when a more specific adjective could provide a clearer picture. Instead of "the engine almost sounded like it would fail", consider using "the engine sounded strained" or "the engine sounded on the verge of failing" for better precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "almost sound" functions as an adverbial modifier of the verb "sound". According to Ludwig, this construction is grammatically correct and describes something approaching a specific auditory quality. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate its use in conveying near-resemblance or faint audibility.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "almost sound" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that serves to convey near-resemblance in auditory qualities or a sense of faint audibility. Ludwig's analysis indicates it's most commonly found in News & Media contexts and functions as an adverbial modifier. When using "almost sound", ensure it adds nuance by conveying a sense of approximation rather than replacing more precise descriptors. Its versatility makes it a valuable tool for writers aiming to describe subtle auditory experiences. Overall, it is considered a correct and useful phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nearly audible

Focuses specifically on the audibility aspect, implying a sound that is faint but perceptible.

sounds similar

Highlights the similarity in auditory characteristics, rather than the degree of audibility.

approaches sounding

Emphasizes the process of nearing a particular sound, suggesting an incomplete or evolving auditory quality.

verges on sounding

Suggests that the sound is on the brink of resembling something else.

resembles in sound

Focuses on the sonic resemblance, without indicating closeness to audibility.

borders on sounding

Indicates that a sound is close to being classified in a particular way.

is close to sounding

A more literal way of indicating nearness to a specific sound quality.

virtually sounds

Highlights that the sound is nearly identical.

practically sounds

Similar to 'virtually', emphasizing a near-complete resemblance.

is not unlike sounding

Indicates similarity by negating dissimilarity, implying some resemblance.

FAQs

How can I use "almost sound" in a sentence?

You can use "almost sound" to describe a sound that nearly resembles something else. For example, "The text-to-speech synthesis has made great strides... up to the point where many modern systems "almost sound" like a real person is reading a text."

What are some alternatives to "almost sound"?

Alternatives to "almost sound" include phrases like "nearly audible", "sounds similar", or "resembles in sound", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "almost sounded"?

Yes, "almost sounded" is the past tense form and is grammatically correct when describing a past event. For example, "It "almost sounded" like a threat to quit."

What's the difference between "almost sound" and "nearly silent"?

"Almost sound" implies a faint or emerging sound, while "nearly silent" suggests an absence of sound. Use "almost sound" when there is a trace of audibility; use "nearly silent" when describing an environment with minimal noise.