exhausted tone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exhausted tone" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a voice or manner of speaking that conveys fatigue or weariness. Example: "After a long day at work, she spoke in an exhausted tone, barely able to muster the energy to engage in conversation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Many relatives of victims I've spoken with say "internal investigation" with an exhausted tone of voice that implies guaranteed failure.

Vice

She has finally found a landlady who is prepared to let her stay in her apartment, but I know from the exhausted tone of the conversation that it's been a long process.

Huffington Post

"We urgently need tents," Mr. Ahmad adds in an exhausted tone.

Unicef

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

As they narrate the experiences of other children, who may or may not survive their own malignancies, the filmmakers talk in grave and exhausted tones.

The New York Times - Arts

A Sport-mode setting changes the shift points, firms the suspension and changes the exhaust tone, bypassing the silencers to create a livelier tailpipe serenade.

The New York Times

Otherwise what shines here is the same thing you feel on Elm Street: Excellent steering that transmits all the action going on at the pavement surface but doesn't beat you to death with vibration, and a rally car-imitating exhaust tone that turns to a high rasp near redline.

Forbes

Mr. Gilbert, who has conducted the piece often, drew a buoyant and richly colorful performance from the Philharmonic players and brought dramatic tension to the prolonged final section, which peters out slowly as musical elements thin, and bass lines settle into sustained, exhausted pedal tones.

The New York Times - Arts

"The Exhaust Tones have truly evolved from a gimmick of auto writers and P.R. guys from the industry playing corporate gigs into a good bar band".

The New York Times

The auto show hoopla tapers down next weekend at Hyundai's annual Detroit Rocks concert, which features the local Detroit bands the Killer Flamingos and the Exhaust Tones, a group composed of automotive journalists and publicists who moonlight as musicians.

The New York Times

"Somehow, we always pull through it, and the crowd is more than willing to celebrate what they've been through over the week," said Sam Lochriccio, who is the Exhaust Tones lead singer and a communications manager at Lincoln.

The New York Times

The last word -- "traditor" ("traitor") -- comes forth in a gulping tone that sounds exhausted and destroyed.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "exhausted tone" when you want to specifically highlight the weariness conveyed through someone's voice or manner of speaking, especially after a prolonged effort or stressful situation.

Common error

While "exhausted tone" is generally acceptable, avoid using it excessively in highly formal writing. Opt for more precise or nuanced descriptions of emotional states, such as "weary cadence" or "subdued inflection", to maintain a professional register.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exhausted tone" functions as a descriptive term, modifying a noun (tone) with an adjective (exhausted). According to Ludwig AI, this usage is grammatically correct. It serves to provide specific detail about the quality of the tone being described.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Formal & Business

33%

Encyclopedias

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "exhausted tone" is a grammatically sound and understandable way to describe a voice or manner of speaking that conveys fatigue or weariness. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While not extremely common, it appears primarily in news and media, and formal business contexts. Consider using synonyms like "weary tone" or "fatigued tone" for varied expression, and be mindful of formality levels depending on your writing context. Overall, it's a valid and useful descriptive phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

weary tone

Replaces "exhausted" with a synonym that also suggests tiredness.

fatigued tone

Similar to "weary tone", using "fatigued" to describe the tone.

tired tone

A more straightforward and common way to express the same sentiment.

drained tone

Conveys a sense of being completely depleted of energy.

listless tone

Suggests a lack of energy and enthusiasm in the voice.

enervated tone

A more formal way of saying "lacking energy" in the voice.

languid tone

Implies a slow and relaxed manner of speaking due to fatigue.

heavy tone

Suggests a tone burdened by fatigue or sadness.

subdued tone

Implies a quiet and low-energy tone, often due to weariness.

spiritless tone

Conveys a lack of enthusiasm or vitality in the way someone speaks.

FAQs

How can I describe a voice that sounds tired?

You can use phrases like "weary tone", "fatigued tone", or "tired voice" to describe a voice that sounds tired. The phrase "exhausted tone" also works.

Is "exhausted tone" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "exhausted tone" might be too informal for certain formal contexts. Consider using alternatives like "subdued tone" or "weary cadence" for a more professional register.

What does it mean when someone speaks in an exhausted tone?

Speaking in an "exhausted tone" typically indicates that the person is feeling extremely tired, both physically and/or emotionally. It suggests a lack of energy and possibly a sense of being overwhelmed.

What are some nuances between "exhausted tone" and "tired tone"?

"Tired tone" is a more general description of weariness. "Exhausted tone" implies a deeper level of fatigue, suggesting the person is completely drained of energy and possibly at the end of their rope.