faltering voice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "faltering voice" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to describe a voice that is hesitant, trembling, or unsteady. For example, "She looked down at the ground in embarrassment, her faltering voice barely loud enough to be heard in the room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Chung translated in a faltering voice.

The New Yorker

"Is that Luke?" a faltering voice said.

The Guardian - Music

Her dazed eyes and trembling limbs, the faltering voice and lurches into hysteria, can sometimes seem overstated and obvious.

The New York Times

But his faltering voice as he predicted further casualties reflected a political reality he could not avoid.

The New York Times

Who can listen to the faltering voice on 'Dark Globe', and not wonder at the psychic darkness that produced music this raw, this plaintive?

The Guardian - Music

Rather, it removed them from the page and put them back in the voice, a speculative, sometimes cunning, sometimes faltering voice.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

On his own now, his sometimes-faltering voice is not the same honeyed vehicle it was when he was 20.

The New York Times

He was Papa," she says, her voice faltering a fraction.

The Guardian - Books

"What is it between Marco and that kid?" he said, his voice faltering.

The New Yorker

"Doctor," he said, his voice faltering, "you don't have to keep giving me those lists".

The New York Times

"Mi ches don cook," she says in the Krio language, her voice faltering even now: "My chest started to boil".

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "faltering voice" to convey a character's vulnerability, nervousness, or emotional distress. It adds depth to the portrayal of inner turmoil.

Common error

Avoid repeatedly describing a character's voice as "faltering" throughout a scene. Vary your descriptions to maintain reader engagement and avoid monotony; consider using body language or internal thoughts instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "faltering voice" functions primarily as a descriptive element, typically used to characterize a speaker's emotional state or physical condition. Ludwig examples show it appears in contexts indicating nervousness, sadness, or vulnerability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

8%

Science

7%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "faltering voice" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that describes a hesitant or unsteady vocal delivery. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for written English. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media, where it serves to convey a speaker's emotional state or vulnerability. While alternatives like "tremulous voice" or "hesitant voice" exist, "faltering voice" offers a specific nuance of instability and uncertainty. Use it judiciously to enhance descriptions and avoid overuse in dialogue. The most authoritative sources employing this phrase include The New York Times and The Guardian, underscoring its acceptance in quality writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hesitant voice

Replaces 'faltering' with 'hesitant', focusing on the uncertainty in the voice.

tremulous voice

Uses 'tremulous' to emphasize the trembling quality of the voice.

wavering voice

Employs 'wavering' to suggest an unsteady or fluctuating vocal tone.

shaky voice

Substitutes 'faltering' with 'shaky', highlighting the instability in the voice.

unsteady voice

Replaces 'faltering' with 'unsteady', indicating a lack of firmness in the vocal delivery.

halting voice

Uses 'halting' to describe a voice that is interrupted or hesitant.

weakening voice

Indicates a loss of strength or volume in the voice.

quivering voice

Focuses on the trembling or vibrating quality of the voice.

failing voice

Suggests that the voice is losing its ability to function properly.

stumbling voice

Implies that the speaker is struggling to find the right words or maintain fluency.

FAQs

How to use "faltering voice" in a sentence?

You can use "faltering voice" to describe someone speaking hesitantly due to nervousness, fear, or sadness. For example: "Her "faltering voice" revealed how deeply the news affected her."

What can I say instead of "faltering voice"?

Alternatives include "hesitant voice", "tremulous voice", or "shaky voice", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "faltering voice" or "faltering tone"?

Both are correct, but they describe different aspects. "Faltering voice" refers to the instability of the voice itself, while "faltering tone" refers to the quality or manner of speaking.

What does it mean when someone has a "faltering voice"?

A "faltering voice" typically indicates that someone is experiencing emotional distress, uncertainty, or a lack of confidence. It suggests they are not speaking with their usual strength or assurance.