barely audible

USAGE SUMMARY

"barely audible" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means something is only able to be heard faintly or with difficulty. Example: The professor's voice was barely audible over the noise of the classroom.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He was barely audible.

The New Yorker

Christine's voice was barely audible.

The New Yorker

"Yes," she replies, barely audible.

Independent

Her reply was barely audible.

The New Yorker

Barely audible chants of "Three-peat!

The New York Times - Sports

"P.A. system barely audible," Tim wrote.

The New York Times - Travel

I'd settle for a barely audible scream.

The New York Times

It made a barely audible click.

The New York Times

At times she is barely audible.

The Guardian

Then her voice grew so faint it was barely audible.

The New York Times - Sports

In a barely audible voice, she forms the word "Yes".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character's emotional state, use "barely audible" to highlight vulnerability or reluctance to speak loudly. For example, "Her voice was barely audible, betraying her fear."

Common error

Avoid using "barely audible" to describe sounds that are difficult to hear due to external noise. Instead, use it to describe sounds that are inherently quiet, regardless of the environment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "barely audible" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to describe the quality of a sound. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "barely audible" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjectival phrase that describes sounds that are faint or nearly imperceptible. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage. It is most prevalent in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the context involves a sound that is inherently quiet, rather than obscured by external noise. Consider using alternatives like "faintly audible" or "scarcely audible" to fine-tune the specific nuance you wish to convey. The phrase is versatile and can add depth to descriptions of both physical environments and emotional states.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

faintly audible

Focuses on the faintness of the sound, implying a low volume.

scarcely audible

Emphasizes the difficulty in hearing the sound, suggesting it's almost imperceptible.

almost inaudible

Highlights that the sound is nearing the point of not being able to be heard at all.

hardly perceptible

Shifts the focus to the sound being difficult to perceive, whether due to volume or other factors.

softly spoken

Specifically refers to speech that is quiet and gentle, making it difficult to hear.

muffled sound

Suggests the sound is obstructed or unclear, making it hard to discern.

subdued tone

Implies the sound is intentionally quiet or restrained.

low whisper

Describes a very quiet form of speech that is challenging to hear.

inaudible murmur

Combines the idea of something impossible to hear with a soft, indistinct sound.

nearly silent

Indicates a sound that is close to complete silence, making it extremely difficult to hear.

FAQs

How can I use "barely audible" in a sentence?

You can use "barely audible" to describe sounds that are very quiet or difficult to hear. For example, "His whisper was barely audible in the crowded room" or "The engine's hum was barely audible from inside the house".

What phrases are similar to "barely audible"?

Similar phrases include "faintly audible", "scarcely audible", and "almost inaudible", all of which describe sounds that are difficult to hear.

Is it correct to say "hardly audible" instead of "barely audible"?

Yes, "hardly audible" is a suitable alternative to "barely audible". Both phrases mean that a sound is difficult to hear or almost imperceptible.

What's the difference between "barely audible" and "inaudible"?

"Barely audible" means the sound can be heard with difficulty, while "inaudible" means the sound cannot be heard at all. "Barely audible" implies that the sound exists but is very faint.