grave voice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grave voice" is correct and can be used in written English.
It typically refers to a deep and somber tone of voice, such as one might use to express solemnity or seriousness. For example, "He spoke in a grave voice about the consequences of their actions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

The mayor, in a grave voice, concurred: "Not a chance".

The New York Times

Here my father spoke to me in a grave voice, and familiar things had other names.

The New Yorker

"Britain is on the brink of panic," the correspondent said in a grave voice.

The New Yorker

"Britain is on the brink of panic,'' the correspondent said in a grave voice.

The New Yorker

He heard the noise of balking and a sad, grave voice saying, "Doing fine, now.

The New Yorker

"The baby," she said in that grave voice of hers, "is in distress".

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

A grave voice-over piped in: "You might think we are exaggerating, but this is what your children are watching on television".

The New York Times - Magazine

Philip Larkin called the Graves voice "toneless", but I don't think that's quite right.

The Guardian - Books

As David doggedly continues and eventually finds his own life in danger, Candice's troubled history is reconstructed through the flashbacks, beyond-the-grave voice-overs and excerpts from her scandalously revealing diaries.

The New York Times

She finds a diary -- read in his beyond-the-grave voice-over -- which records his discovery that the pandas, despite their mythic reputation for viciousness, are gentle, peace-loving vegetarians.

The New York Times

Mr. Schrader, working from a script credited to Michael Gerbosi, chronicles Crane's life in standard bio-pic style, dropping in a few flourishes like beyond-the-grave voice-over narration and a nightmarish hallucination sequence, during which Hogan's fictional predicaments merge with Crane's disorderly life off the set.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "grave voice" when you want to convey a sense of seriousness, importance, or somberness. It is particularly effective in narrative writing to set a specific mood or tone.

Common error

Avoid using "grave voice" in situations that are not serious or important. Overusing it can dilute its impact and make your writing sound melodramatic or insincere.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grave voice" functions primarily as a descriptive element, modifying a subject through its tone. The phrase is generally used to convey seriousness or importance.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Science

0.5%

Academic

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "grave voice" effectively conveys a sense of seriousness and importance, primarily in news and media contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. Alternatives such as "solemn tone" or "serious voice" exist, offering similar but nuanced meanings. When using "grave voice", ensure it aligns with the context's gravity to avoid diluting its impact. The phrase functions descriptively, signaling the weight of the situation, and it's usage is most appropriate in neutral to formal registers, enhancing clarity and emphasizing the message's significance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

serious voice

Uses the adjective "serious" instead of "grave", conveying a similar meaning.

somber voice

Replaces "grave" with "somber", which has a very close semantic meaning.

solemn tone

Replaces the noun "voice" with "tone" and the adjective "grave" with "solemn", maintaining a similar sense of seriousness.

heavy voice

Uses "heavy" to describe a voice burdened with seriousness.

deep, resonant voice

Describes the qualities of a voice that might be perceived as grave.

subdued voice

Indicates a voice that is quiet and restrained, often conveying seriousness.

austere voice

Conveys a sense of strictness and seriousness in the voice.

low voice

Focuses on the pitch of the voice contributing to a solemn atmosphere.

earnest tone

Emphasizes sincerity and seriousness in the voice or tone.

melancholy tone

Combines "melancholy" to suggest sadness, with "tone" replacing "voice".

FAQs

How to use "grave voice" in a sentence?

You can use "grave voice" to describe someone's tone when they are serious or delivering important news. For example, "The doctor spoke in a "grave voice" as he explained the diagnosis."

What's the difference between "serious voice" and "grave voice"?

"Serious voice" generally indicates a lack of humor or playfulness, while "grave voice" suggests a deeper level of importance, concern, or somberness. While similar, "grave voice" carries a heavier emotional weight.

What can I say instead of "grave voice"?

You can use alternatives like "solemn tone", "somber voice", or "serious voice" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "grave voice" appropriate for all types of writing?

While "grave voice" is generally acceptable, it's most suitable for narrative writing, news reporting, or formal communication where conveying seriousness is important. Avoid using it in casual or humorous contexts where it might seem out of place.