distinctive sound

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "distinctive sound" is both grammatically and logically correct and can be used in written English.
For example, you could use the phrase in a sentence such as: "The distinctive sound of the whale's song filled the air with a peaceful hum."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

O.K., a distinctive sound.

The New York Times - Science

Neither y nor w occurs as a distinctive sound.

Encyclopedia Britannica

What gave Boulez's interpretations their wholly distinctive sound?

The Guardian - Music

He also developed a distinctive sound, sometimes called "growl" trumpet, in his own playing.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He earned high praise from critics and fellow musicians for his distinctive sound and accurate intonation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But they have an amazing, distinctive sound built around three lead vocalists singing close harmony.

The New York Times

This membrane creates a distinctive sound characteristic of much Chinese flute music.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It's how they were able to create their distinctive sound on Given to the Wild.

Independent

For the next 30 years, they lent their distinctive sound to countless singers.

The New York Times - Arts

The guitar tones and the singer have a very distinctive sound.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Kerrang! deemed Peace Sells... but Who's Buying? as the album that saw the inception of Megadeth's always-distinctive sound.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing music, use "distinctive sound" to highlight the unique qualities that set a particular artist or genre apart. This can help the reader understand what makes the music special and memorable.

Common error

Avoid using "distinctive sound" too generically. Instead of simply stating that something has a "distinctive sound", provide specific details about what makes the sound unique. Describe the characteristics, instruments, or techniques that contribute to its distinctiveness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "distinctive sound" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "distinctive" is an adjective modifying the noun "sound". This phrase is commonly used to describe a unique or easily recognizable auditory quality. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and appropriate for diverse writing scenarios.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Encyclopedias

12%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Science

9%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "distinctive sound" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase for describing auditory uniqueness. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is appropriate across numerous contexts. It functions as a noun phrase, emphasizing the recognizable quality of a particular sound. Its neutral register and widespread presence in news, encyclopedias, and wikis make it accessible to a broad audience. Alternatives like ""unique sound"" or ""characteristic sound"" offer subtle variations in meaning. When using this phrase, remember to provide specific details about what makes the sound distinctive, avoiding generic descriptions. Avoid redundancy by limiting the use of the term "very distinctive sound". Overall, "distinctive sound" is a powerful tool for conveying the unique auditory characteristics of various elements in our world.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unique sound

Emphasizes the unparalleled nature of the sound.

characteristic sound

Focuses on the typical or recognizable aspects of the sound.

particular sound

Highlights the specific and individual quality of the sound.

identifiable sound

Stresses the ease with which the sound can be recognized.

peculiar sound

Indicates an unusual or strange quality of the sound.

individual sound

Highlights the sound's separation and difference from others.

trademark sound

Implies the sound is strongly associated with a particular source or brand.

signature sound

Suggests the sound is a defining feature of a creator or entity.

unmistakable sound

Emphasizes the impossibility of confusing it with another sound.

recognisable sound

Focuses on the ability to know that sound is familiar to someone or something.

FAQs

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

You can use "distinctive sound" to describe any auditory element that stands out. For instance, "The band's "unique sound" quickly gained them recognition" or "The "characteristic sound" of the engine made it easy to identify".

What are some alternatives to "distinctive sound"?

Alternatives include ""unique sound"", ""characteristic sound"", "particular sound", or "identifiable sound", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "very distinctive sound"?

While not strictly incorrect, saying "very distinctive sound" can be redundant. The word "distinctive" already implies a high degree of uniqueness. Consider using a stronger adjective or describing how the sound is distinctive instead.

How does "distinctive sound" differ from "signature sound"?

"Distinctive sound" refers to any sound that is easily recognizable or unique. "Signature sound", on the other hand, implies that the sound is not only distinctive but also strongly associated with a particular artist, brand, or entity, becoming their trademark.