gravelly voice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gravelly voice" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It describes a voice that is rough, hoarse or deep in tone, similar to the sound of gravel being crushed. Example: The singer's gravelly voice added a raw and emotional quality to the song, making it a fan favorite.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

"Torture," answered Gravelly Voice.

The New York Times

That he had a really gravelly voice?

The New York Times

Hayek shifts into a gravelly voice.

The New York Times

He has a gravelly voice, and his wardrobe is sporty.

The New Yorker

His gravelly voice seemed ideally suited for his plain speaking.

The New York Times

A gravelly voice flows through several wall-mounted speakers.

The New Yorker

Videla was a spectral figure with his gravelly voice, stern look and mustache.

The New York Times

"It's a lifesaver, adrenaline," he said in his famously gravelly voice.

The New York Times - Arts

Acosta is an ample older man, with thick glasses and a gravelly voice.

The New Yorker

In a gravelly voice she said something that Mallon didn't understand.

The New Yorker

'I own the track.' " "He owns it?" Segreto exclaimed, in his gravelly voice.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character, use "gravelly voice" to quickly convey age, experience, or a tough personality.

Common error

Avoid immediately pairing "gravelly voice" with other intense sensory details; allow the voice to stand out and impact the reader before adding further description.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "gravelly voice" is to act as a descriptive phrase, specifically modifying a noun to provide information about its sound quality. Ludwig AI confirms that it is used to describe the quality of someone's speech.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Science

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "gravelly voice" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a rough, low-pitched voice. It is frequently used in news and media, as well as in encyclopedic entries, to depict character or vocal quality. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is descriptive, aiming to create a vivid auditory image. Alternative phrases include "raspy voice" or "hoarse voice", depending on the specific nuance desired. When using "gravelly voice" in writing, it's best to avoid immediately overwhelming the reader with additional sensory details, allowing the impact of the vocal description to stand on its own.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rough voice

Replaces "gravelly" with a synonym that also implies a coarse or uneven vocal texture.

hoarse voice

Indicates a voice that is raspy or strained, often due to overuse or illness.

raspy voice

Similar to "hoarse", but can also imply a naturally rough or textured voice.

throaty voice

Focuses on the deepness and resonance of the voice, suggesting it originates from the throat.

deep voice

Highlights the low pitch of the voice.

gruff voice

Suggests a rough and surly quality in the voice.

husky voice

Implies a soft, breathy, and slightly rough quality.

coarse voice

Describes a voice that is rough and unrefined.

sandpaper voice

A more figurative way to describe a voice that sounds like sandpaper.

thick voice

Indicates a voice that sounds heavy or muffled.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "gravelly voice" in a sentence?

Use "gravelly voice" to quickly establish character traits like age, toughness, or world-weariness. For example, "The old detective spoke with a "rough voice", hinting at years of solving hard cases".

What words are similar to "gravelly voice"?

Alternatives include "raspy voice", "hoarse voice", "throaty voice", or "gruff voice". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "a gravelly voice"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "Gravelly" is an adjective modifying the noun "voice", and the article "a" is used because "voice" is a singular, countable noun.

What does it mean when someone is described as having a "gravelly voice"?

It means their voice is rough, low-pitched, and somewhat hoarse, similar to the sound of gravel. This can be a natural trait or the result of smoking, illness, or vocal strain.