faint chorus

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "faint chorus" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a soft or subdued sound made by a group, often in a poetic or descriptive context. Example: "As the sun set, a faint chorus of crickets began to fill the air, creating a serene atmosphere."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

A faint chorus of "M.V.P".

The New York Times - Sports

But there they were--a thin, faint chorus.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

She had written the ecstatic Hymne à l'Amour for him, and insisted on singing it on stage the night after hearing of his death: she got as far as the chorus before fainting.

The Guardian - Travel

Unfortunately, with its faint beat and a Justice-esque chorus of singing children, Nothing to Worry About falls into the classic trap of not sounding much different from That Whistling Song, or much better.

The Guardian - Music

Titled "tnodvood104," the track is five minutes of steady beats mixed with a chorus of ghostly voices and faint background synths.

Vice

It features several musical changes, beginning with Bon Iver frontman Justin Vernon's faint vocals, followed by 4/4 drums, gospel-styled chorus, and increased tempo, and a final measured tempo.

Wikipedia

The song begins with faint vocals delivered by Vernon, which are reinforced by drums, gospel-styled chorus, an increased tempo, and a final measured tempo.

Wikipedia

We sing a quick bastardised chorus of Maoz Tsur, but I still don't have the faintest idea what it means.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Iain Duncan Smith*: "... er, sat... " (Renewed standing ovation. Cheers and waving of union flag. Chorus of For He's a Jolly Good Fellow. St John Ambulance personnel deal with several cases of fainting).

The Guardian

Chorus girls.

The New Yorker

Very faint.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "faint chorus", consider the context to ensure the adjective accurately reflects the sound's intended subtlety. Ensure the noun 'chorus' is appropriate for the described sound – it should denote a group effort or a collective utterance.

Common error

Avoid using "faint chorus" when describing a sound that is merely distant but not necessarily quiet or subdued. A distant chorus might be loud but attenuated by distance, while a faint chorus is inherently soft, regardless of proximity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "faint chorus" functions as an adjective-noun compound, where the adjective "faint" modifies the noun "chorus". According to Ludwig, this phrase is usable in written English and often describes a soft or subdued sound from a group.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

12%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "faint chorus" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that describes a soft or subdued collective sound. Ludwig identifies it as often appearing in news and media contexts. While its frequency is rare, it effectively communicates the intended nuance of a delicate or distant group sound. Consider alternatives like "subdued harmony" or "soft refrain" for slight variations in emphasis. The key is ensuring that the adjective "faint" accurately reflects the desired subtlety and that the term "chorus" is appropriate for the described sound. Understanding these nuances can help writers use "faint chorus" effectively to create vivid auditory imagery.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subdued harmony

Replaces 'faint' with 'subdued' and 'chorus' with 'harmony', altering the tone to emphasize a muted agreement.

soft refrain

Substitutes 'faint' with 'soft' and 'chorus' with 'refrain', offering a gentler, more musical nuance.

gentle chanting

Changes 'faint' to 'gentle' and 'chorus' to 'chanting', shifting the context towards a quieter, rhythmic vocalization.

muted response

Replaces 'faint' with 'muted' and 'chorus' with 'response', indicating a quiet or suppressed reaction from a group.

barely audible choir

Substitutes 'faint' with 'barely audible' and 'chorus' with 'choir', emphasizing the low audibility of the vocal group.

indistinct vocalization

Replaces the entire phrase with a more clinical term emphasizing the lack of clarity in the sound.

feeble harmony

Substitutes "faint" with "feeble", suggesting weakness in the sound of the voices.

whispered agreement

Replaces "faint" with "whispered" and "chorus" with "agreement", focusing on the hushed nature of the collective approval.

low murmur

Changes "chorus" to "murmur" and implies faintness through the general nature of a murmur, denoting a soft, indistinct sound.

subtle resonance

Shifts the focus to the subtle reverberation or echoing of voices, implying a faint and unified sound.

FAQs

How can I use "faint chorus" in a sentence?

You might say, "A "faint chorus" of crickets arose from the meadow at dusk" or "The applause was a "faint chorus", barely audible in the large hall."

What does "faint chorus" typically describe?

"Faint chorus" usually describes a soft, subdued, and often distant sound made by a group of voices or similar sources blending harmoniously. The sound is noticeable, but not overpowering.

Are there situations where "soft chorus" is better than "faint chorus"?

While similar, "soft chorus" may be preferred when emphasizing the gentle quality of the sound, whereas "faint chorus" highlights its low audibility or distant nature. Consider the specific nuance you wish to convey.

What's the difference between "faint chorus" and a simple "chorus"?

The adjective "faint" specifies that the chorus is quiet or barely audible. Without "faint", the chorus could be loud and prominent.