falling cadence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "falling cadence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to music, poetry, or speech, where it describes a rhythmic decline or decrease in pitch or intensity. Example: "The poem concluded with a falling cadence, leaving the audience in a reflective silence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

But not a willow warbler: not a hint of that charming, falling cadence which once was as much a part of a  May day in the beautiful English countryside as hawthorn blossom.

Independent

She speaks in a soft, slow, girlishly buoyant voice marked by what she calls, in a poem, "the falling cadence / of surprise," stressing certain words and stopping short before others as if to allow herself a stanza break to decide what to say next.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Those falling cadences, the way his sentences drop quietly into ideas left hanging, things unsaid, are as haunting as they are disturbing.

The Guardian - Arts

It's as if he feels that the stuff that novels are made of – multiple storylines, rising and falling cadences of narrative excitement, the construction of a plausibly imagined world – are merely the extraneous, padded scaffolding erected around a truth, rather than a form that truth can take.

The Guardian - Books

Instead of turning Rose Theater into a house of God, Friday's performance turned the sermon into an aesthetic experience: a matter of structured argument-building, of oratorical rhythms, of rising and falling cadences that aren't so different from an eloquent jazz solo.

The New York Times - Arts

Elsewhere, the falling cadences of Bessie Smith spilling over the bar, or countless other blues legends howling and wailing their way out of depression, grew so popular that blues became the default American popular song, pushing reels, jug bands and ballads into the obscurity of collectors' folk music.

The Guardian - Music

Her voice rises and falls; her cadence gains rhythm.

The New York Times

Cullum's hip timing almost saves Let it Snow, and weaving brass lines and swooping strings work well with Peyroux's plaintive, falling-cadence delivery on Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.

The Guardian - Music

Some kept their remarks short; others poorly mimicked the rise-and-fall cadences of revival-tent preachers.

The New York Times

The last note of the tune, the point of resolution and final repose, usually falls on the fundamental tone (i.e., keynote) of the scale; the mid-cadence falling normally a perfect fifth above the tonic or a perfect fourth below it.

Encyclopedia Britannica

We savor the cadence of falling autumn leaves, and glory of snow and starry winter nights.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "falling cadence" to describe a musical phrase, poetic line, or speech pattern that gradually decreases in pitch or intensity. This term is particularly effective when discussing the emotional impact of the sound.

Common error

Avoid using "falling cadence" in contexts where a rhythm increases in intensity or speed. Ensure the context aligns with a diminishing or declining pattern to maintain accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "falling cadence" functions as a descriptive term, typically used as a noun phrase. It describes a specific type of rhythmic or melodic pattern that descends or diminishes in intensity. This is supported by Ludwig, which provides examples where it modifies nouns related to music, speech, and natural sounds.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "falling cadence" describes a rhythmic or melodic pattern that decreases in pitch or intensity, often conveying a sense of resolution or gentle decline. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides examples from reliable sources, primarily in news and media. While relatively rare, its usage is consistent in contexts related to music, poetry, and speech, making it a precise and evocative term for descriptive writing. Remember to consider the context carefully to maintain accuracy and avoid misapplication, as it should only be used to describe patterns that diminish or descend. Effective alternatives include "declining rhythm" or "diminishing cadence".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

diminishing cadence

Highlights the gradual reduction in intensity or volume of the cadence.

declining rhythm

Focuses on the rhythmic aspect, emphasizing the decrease in regularity or pace.

decreasing rhythm

Similar to declining rhythm, focusing on the reduction in pace or regularity.

descending rhythm

Emphasizes the downward direction or movement within the rhythm.

fading cadence

Focuses on the gradual disappearance of the cadence.

waning cadence

Implies a fading or weakening quality of the cadence.

receding rhythm

Suggests the rhythm is moving away or diminishing into the background.

trailing cadence

Suggests the cadence is diminishing slowly at the end of a phrase or section.

subsiding rhythm

Indicates a calming or quieting effect within the rhythmic pattern.

plaintive cadence

Conveys a mournful or sorrowful tone in the cadence.

FAQs

What does "falling cadence" mean in music?

In music, "falling cadence" refers to a sequence of notes or chords that creates a sense of resolution or finality, typically moving from a higher to a lower pitch. It often implies a conclusion or a calming effect.

How can I use "falling cadence" in a sentence about poetry?

You might say, "The poem concluded with a "falling cadence", leaving the audience in a reflective silence". This suggests a gentle and conclusive ending to the poem.

What's the difference between a "falling cadence" and a "rising cadence"?

A "falling cadence" describes a decrease in pitch or intensity, creating a sense of resolution. A "rising cadence", in contrast, describes an increase in pitch or intensity, often leaving a feeling of anticipation or incompleteness.

Are there alternative phrases to "falling cadence" that I can use?

Yes, depending on the context, you could use "declining rhythm" or "diminishing cadence". These alternatives capture the sense of decreasing intensity or pace.