bored voice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bored voice" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a tone of voice that conveys boredom or lack of interest. Example: "She spoke in a bored voice, making it clear that she was not engaged in the conversation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

"Shut up," said a bored voice from the crowd.

The New Yorker

"TEANECK PIZZA," said the bored voice at the other end of the line.

The New York Times

'Prince is gazing into the mirror of reflection,' Beyonce intones in a bored voice.

The Guardian - Music

In a bored voice, he says: "O.K., 14 years in Congress.

The New York Times

He fills his radio contracts in a bored voice, takes whisky for his insomnia, and carries on a liaison with the proper tact and enthusiasm.

The New York Times

"Can you give me a shopping bag I can carry over my shoulder?" I would ask the Pottery Barn clerk in a bored voice.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Indeed, that famously bored, monotonous voice of hers can wring laughs out of some otherwise dull lines, such as: "When you have children your house smells very unpleasant all the time".

The Guardian

The girl, who looked fresh from Northampton, was doing her best to seem a faded but still exquisite woman of the world, told the bartender, in a bored, faraway voice, "A Martini, please, and make it very, very dry - hardly any water". This article appears in the print edition of the April 19 , 1947 issue.

The New Yorker

The girl, who looked fresh from Northampton, was doing her best to seem a faded but still exquisite woman of the world, told the bartender, in a bored, faraway voice, "A Martini, please, and make it very, very dry - hardly any water".

The New Yorker

In a bored, slightly bureaucratic voice, somewhat theoretically as if he had never seen the stuff, he explained the finer points of Syrian lingerie.

Forbes

Changing the subject in a bored tone of voice is rude.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To add more depth, combine "bored voice" with other descriptive details. For example, "a bored voice, eyes glazed over" provides a richer image of the speaker's disinterest.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "bored voice" to convey a character's emotional state. Show their boredom through actions, body language, and dialogue to create a more nuanced and engaging portrayal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bored voice" primarily functions as a descriptive element, specifying the quality of someone's voice. It's an adjective-noun combination used to characterize the way someone speaks, indicating a lack of interest or enthusiasm. Ludwig provides examples of its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "bored voice" is a grammatically correct and usable expression for describing a tone lacking enthusiasm or interest. As Ludwig AI indicates, it serves as a descriptive element to portray a speaker's disengagement. While acceptable in various contexts, more descriptive alternatives like "apathetic tone" or "disinterested tone" can offer greater nuance. Despite its relative infrequency, "bored voice" effectively conveys a specific emotional state and is valuable for adding depth to writing. Overreliance on the phrase, however, should be avoided in favor of richer characterizations through action and dialogue.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disinterested tone

Emphasizes the speaker's lack of interest.

indifferent voice

Directly conveys a lack of concern or interest in the voice.

apathetic tone

Focuses on the tone as being apathetic, highlighting indifference.

lackluster tone

Similar to apathetic tone, but emphasizes the lack of vibrancy.

listless manner of speaking

Emphasizes the lack of energy and enthusiasm in the speech.

unenthusiastic vocal delivery

Highlights the absence of enthusiasm in how the voice is used.

monotonous delivery

Focuses on the unchanging, dull quality of the speech.

uninspired speech

Focuses on the lack of inspiration or excitement in the words spoken.

weary tone of voice

Suggests that the speaker sounds tired and bored.

flat affect

A clinical term indicating a lack of emotional expression, including in the voice.

FAQs

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

You can use "bored voice" to describe how someone speaks when they are uninterested or unenthusiastic. For example: "He answered the phone in a bored voice."

What's a more descriptive alternative to "bored voice"?

Consider using alternatives like "apathetic tone", "listless manner of speaking", or "disinterested tone" to provide a more nuanced description.

Is it appropriate to use "bored voice" in formal writing?

While "bored voice" is generally acceptable, it may be more impactful to use a more sophisticated phrase in formal writing, such as "indifferent voice" or "monotonous delivery", depending on the specific context.

What does a "bored voice" typically imply about the speaker?

A "bored voice" usually implies that the speaker is uninterested, unenthusiastic, or lacks engagement with the topic at hand. It can also suggest weariness or a lack of emotional investment.