broken voice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "broken voice" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe someone speaking in a hesitant, emotional, or unstable manner. For example, "She spoke with a broken voice, letting out a quiet sob between each word."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

But the mother who had meant everything had been reduced to a broken voice coming from a broken screen.

The Washington Post

"In the same way I love singers who have a broken voice.

The New York Times - Arts

"With a shivering broken voice, the captain said, 'Chief, chief,' and nothing else," Farooq recalled.

The New York Times - Magazine

LAS VEGAS — Four times, in a halting, broken voice, a humbled O. J. Simpson said Friday, "I'm sorry".

The New York Times

I don't remember anymore the details of these thoughts, only that they were distorted, swollen, blurred: broken face, broken voice, broken body left dying on the floor, watching me go with dimming, despairing eyes.

The New Yorker

I entered puberty before secondary school: my height, broken voice and stubble meant that nobody picked a fight with me, no matter how often I admitted to liking poetry.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

The Scary Movie 4 auditorium is buzzing with BO and freshly broken voices.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

To him, when Mahler writes that a phrase is to be sung, say, "with a breaking voice" (in English translation), it means something subtly different from when he writes "with a broken voice".

The New York Times - Arts

I look back on the haircut, the bad skin and the breaking voice with a wince!

The Guardian - Film

There is something adolescent about such complaint; I can hear it like a boy's breaking voice in my own prose.

The New Yorker

But the lead singer for many of the early hits was Robin, whose breaking voice, gaunt frame and gloomy eyes were well suited to convey adolescent fragility.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "broken voice" to convey vulnerability, strong emotion, or physical distress in a character or speaker. This can add depth and realism to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "broken voice" excessively, as it can come across as melodramatic. Use it sparingly to maximize its impact and avoid undermining the emotional authenticity of the scene.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "broken voice" primarily functions as a descriptive phrase, modifying a noun (voice) to indicate a specific quality or condition. Ludwig examples show its usage to depict emotional distress, vulnerability, or a strained vocal delivery.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

7%

Encyclopedias

4%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "broken voice" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe a voice affected by strong emotions, physical strain, or vulnerability. Ludwig's AI confirms its correctness, and the numerous examples highlight its prevalence in news, media, and even wiki contexts. While versatile, it's important to use it judiciously to avoid melodrama. Related phrases like "cracked voice" and "wavering voice" offer subtle variations in meaning, allowing for more precise descriptions. Remember to consider the context and desired emotional impact when employing this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cracked voice

Describes a voice that is not smooth, often due to emotion or illness; more focused on the sound quality.

wavering voice

Implies instability in the voice, usually due to nervousness or emotion.

tremulous voice

Suggests a trembling or shaking voice, often from fear or excitement; more formal.

shaky voice

Similar to 'wavering voice' but emphasizes the physical tremor affecting the voice.

emotional voice

Focuses on the emotional content conveyed through the voice, rather than its physical state.

fragile voice

Implies delicacy and vulnerability in the voice, often due to weakness or sadness.

faltering voice

Describes a voice that is losing strength or conviction, often due to uncertainty.

hoarse voice

Describes a rough or raspy voice, typically due to illness or overuse.

weak voice

Indicates a lack of volume or strength in the voice, often due to fatigue or illness.

strained voice

Suggests effort or difficulty in speaking, often due to stress or injury.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "broken voice" in a sentence?

Use "broken voice" to indicate emotional distress, fragility, or physical weakness. For example, "She delivered the news with a "broken voice", barely holding back tears."

What are some alternatives to "broken voice"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "cracked voice", "wavering voice", or "tremulous voice" to describe different qualities of a distressed voice.

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

Yes, "broken voice" can be used in formal writing to describe a character's emotional state or a speaker's delivery, but ensure it aligns with the tone and purpose of the writing.

What distinguishes "broken voice" from a "hoarse voice"?

A "broken voice" typically implies emotional distress or vulnerability, while a "hoarse voice" usually suggests a physical condition like a sore throat or overuse of the vocal cords.