dull hum

USAGE SUMMARY

'dull hum' is correct and usable in written English.
It is an adjective phrase used to describe a sound that is repetitive and somewhat boring or monotonous. For example, "The dull hum of the air conditioner was a constant reminder of the hot summer day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

The dull hum of today's computers falls way short in providing protective white noise.

The New York Times

A blue sheet had been hung behind Rosenberg, to deflect glare, and there was a dull hum in the background, perhaps from cars on a nearby street.

The New Yorker

So which script will play out, the threat of war or the dull hum of diplomats negotiating a modus vivendi that might someday be called peace?

The New York Times - Magazine

It offers a wide catalog of pacifying sounds, including crashing beach waves, drumming rain, the dull hum of a ceiling fan, chirping crickets and even the clanking of a moving train.

The New York Times

Is that right?" But just outside the fence of the amphitheater, a group of protesters holding a large "Dream Act Now" banner chanted through several minutes of his speech, offering up a dull hum from the wings.

The New York Times

As Karina Longworth put it in the Voice: "It's a film about the alienated that makes sure to alienate no one, a movie depicting wild mood extremes that never rises or falls above a dull hum of diversion, never exploding into riotous comedy or daring to be devastatingly sad".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

The vegetable heat of the place and the dull humming of the machinery lulled me to sleep.

The New Yorker

In the silence of the room I could hear a dull humming and buzzing noise which proceeded from the same source".

The New York Times - Magazine

It was supposed to be dull and boring and ho-hum, evidence that the once gripping rivalry between the Knicks and the Miami Heat was unmistakably dead.

The New York Times - Sports

Perhaps you're going to the gym regularly but it has become ho-hum, a dull routine.

WikiHow

The old-fashioned tubing, the dull electric hum and the jaundiced industrial glow all seem out of step with the high-tech, hooked-up world in which we live.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dull hum" to effectively describe a monotonous, low-frequency sound that is often continuous and unobtrusive in the background. This phrase is suitable for both descriptive writing and technical contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "dull hum" when describing sounds that are sharp, loud, or dynamic. The phrase is specifically meant to depict a sound that lacks intensity and is often perceived as monotonous.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dull hum" primarily functions as a descriptive element, modifying a noun. It characterizes the nature of a sound, emphasizing its monotonous and low-intensity quality. The Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in various contexts, such as describing the sound of computers or machinery, which aligns with Ludwig AI's assessment of its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

13%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dull hum" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that functions as a descriptive adjective + noun combination. According to Ludwig AI, it is a phrase that effectively portrays a monotonous, low-intensity sound common in various contexts, particularly in news and media. This analysis identified relevant writing tips, common errors, and appropriate alternative phrases, enhancing its utility for writers seeking precision. The phrase's register is largely neutral, enabling versatile application across diverse content. The contexts found by Ludwig indicate that it is more likely to encounter this term in journalistic, wikis, and science-related sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

background drone

This alternative specifically refers to a sound that is present in the background.

steady drone

This alternative emphasizes the consistent and unchanging nature of the sound.

quiet drone

This alternative highlights the subdued and unobtrusive nature of the sound.

faint drone

This alternative emphasizes the low and continuous nature of the sound.

constant drone

This alternative emphasizes the continuous presence of the sound.

monotonous drone

This alternative stresses the repetitive and uninteresting character of the sound.

subtle hum

This alternative indicates that the hum is barely perceptible.

soft murmur

This alternative suggests a gentle and subdued quality of the sound.

muffled hum

This alternative suggests that the hum is not clear, as though it is heard through a barrier.

low rumble

This alternative implies a deeper and more resonant sound.

FAQs

How can I use "dull hum" in a sentence?

You can use "dull hum" to describe a background sound that is monotonous and low in intensity. For example: "The "dull hum" of the refrigerator filled the otherwise silent kitchen."

What's a good alternative to "dull hum"?

Alternatives include "faint drone", "soft murmur", or "low rumble", depending on the specific sound you're describing. Each conveys a slightly different nuance of a quiet, continuous sound.

Is "dull hum" formal or informal?

"Dull hum" can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It's suitable for descriptive writing in literature, news reports, or even technical documentation.

What kind of sounds does "dull hum" typically describe?

"Dull hum" is typically used to describe the sounds of machinery, appliances, or ambient background noise. It suggests a sound that is continuous, low in pitch, and not particularly noticeable or stimulating.