cracked voice

USAGE SUMMARY

"cracked voice" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone's voice when they are speaking, typically indicating that they are tired, dehydrated, sick, or emotional. For example, "He spoke with a cracked voice as he recounted the story of his childhood."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

Yet his slightly cracked voice and tense carriage make him interesting as well as sympathetic.

Independent

Offstage Mr. Caruso greets the occasional flat note, cracked voice or dropped lyric with a grimace.

The New York Times - Arts

MORGANTOWN, W. Va., Dec. 1 —West Virginia Coach Rich Rodriguez stood before reporters Saturday night with a dazed look and cracked voice.

The New York Times - Sports

For another, he chose to begin the CD with a song that's almost painful to listen to, a cracked voice backed by desultory guitar-strumming -- you must tolerate the broccoli of authenticity before you get to the treats that follow.

The New York Times - Magazine

She has a high, cracked voice that can make her sound like Neil Young or a precocious 4-year-old, and when she sings she sometimes flaps her arms or makes faces.

The New York Times - Arts

Some people, including her husband, said that by writing, they were able to be more vulnerable and candid about their feelings and needs than they could ever have been in person or on the phone, when a cracked voice or tears might have cut them off.

The New York Times - Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

Tears and cracked voices have become standard procedure in the age of apology.

The New York Times - Sports

Are you O.K.?" "Cracking voice slightly to indicate emotion.

The New Yorker

"I will bring them to Australia," he said in a cracking voice.

The New York Times

How much of my cracking voice he made out I'm not sure.

The Guardian - Sport

I never understood why ELROY had the cracking voice and intelligence of an adolescent but was drawn like a toddler.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character's emotional state, use "cracked voice" to subtly indicate vulnerability or distress, avoiding overly dramatic descriptions.

Common error

Avoid repeatedly using "cracked voice" for the same character within a short span of dialogue. Vary your descriptions with synonyms like "hoarse", "tremulous", or focus on other non-verbal cues to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cracked voice" primarily functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a noun (voice). It describes a specific quality of the voice, often indicating emotional distress, physical strain, or the effects of puberty. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cracked voice" is a descriptive phrase used to depict a voice that sounds hoarse, strained, or emotionally affected. Ludwig confirms that this is correct and usable in written English. It is commonly found in News & Media. When using the phrase, consider the context and the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember to not overuse it in your descriptions, but rather experiment with similar alternatives like "hoarse voice", "raspy voice", or "tremulous voice".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hoarse voice

Replaces 'cracked' with 'hoarse', focusing on the rough, grating quality of the voice.

raspy voice

Emphasizes the rough, scratchy texture of the voice.

gravelly voice

Highlights the deep, rough quality reminiscent of gravel.

throaty voice

Focuses on the origin of the sound in the throat, implying a deep or husky tone.

tremulous voice

Suggests a trembling or shaky voice, often due to emotion or nervousness.

shaky voice

Similar to tremulous, emphasizing the instability in the voice.

weak voice

Indicates a lack of strength or volume in the voice.

faltering voice

Implies a voice that is hesitant or breaking, often due to emotional distress.

breaking voice

Refers specifically to a voice undergoing puberty, cracking due to hormonal changes, or a voice breaking due to emotion.

fragile voice

Highlights the delicate and vulnerable nature of the voice.

FAQs

What does it mean to have a "cracked voice"?

A "cracked voice" typically refers to a voice that sounds hoarse, strained, or broken, often due to illness, overuse, or strong emotion. It can also refer to the voice changes experienced during puberty.

What are some synonyms for "cracked voice"?

Alternatives to "cracked voice" include "hoarse voice", "raspy voice", "tremulous voice", or "breaking voice", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

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

While "cracked voice" is generally understood, it might be more suitable for informal or narrative writing. In formal contexts, consider using more precise and descriptive alternatives like "hoarse" or "tremulous" to maintain a professional tone.

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

You can use "cracked voice" to describe someone's speech, for example: "He spoke with a "cracked voice", barely able to contain his emotion" or "Her "cracked voice" revealed how tired she was after the long journey".