has a voice

USAGE SUMMARY

'has a voice' is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone having the ability to be heard or express their opinion, opinions, or beliefs, even if their views are not widely shared. For example, "Despite the majority of people voting no, Jane still has a voice and is not afraid to use it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Everyone has a voice".

The New York Times

"Love has a voice," he insists.

The Economist

For example, everyone has a voice.

The New York Times

He has a voice".

The New York Times - Food

It has a voice".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Everyone has a voice now".

The New Yorker

(Ms. Farrell has a voice appropriately dark).

The New York Times

Jemaine Clement has a voice for radio.

The Guardian

She has a voice of raw gold.

The Guardian - Music

My goodness – she has a voice!

The Guardian - Opinion

Those, labor no longer has a voice at the table.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "has a voice" to emphasize the importance of someone's opinion being heard, especially when they are traditionally marginalized or underrepresented.

Common error

Avoid using "has a voice" for inanimate objects unless you're employing a deliberate metaphor or personification. Overusing this can dilute the phrase's impact when describing actual people or groups.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has a voice" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating the ability or opportunity to express opinions, exert influence, or be heard. It suggests agency and the capacity to participate in discussions or decisions. Ludwig's analysis confirms this widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Formal & Business

17%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Science

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "has a voice" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate the ability to express opinions, exert influence, or be heard. As confirmed by Ludwig, it sees widespread use across various contexts, including news, formal communications, and academic discussions. Its function is to emphasize inclusivity and representation, highlighting the importance of diverse perspectives in decision-making. While adaptable to various registers, it maintains a generally neutral tone. Considering these elements, "has a voice" serves as a valuable tool for conveying the agency and importance of individual and collective expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has a say

Implies the right or opportunity to participate in a decision or discussion.

is able to speak out

Focuses on the act of publicly voicing concerns or beliefs, implying courage or defiance.

can express opinions

Highlights the ability to articulate thoughts and feelings, emphasizing the freedom of expression.

possesses influence

Emphasizes the capacity to affect decisions or actions, focusing on the power dynamic.

exerts influence

Highlights the active application of power to achieve a specific outcome.

is heard and acknowledged

Stresses not only the act of speaking but also the reception and validation of one's views.

carries weight

Indicates that someone's opinions are influential and taken seriously due to their authority or expertise.

holds sway

Suggests a commanding influence over others, often in decision-making processes.

is represented

Indicates that someone's interests and perspectives are being advocated for by another.

commands attention

Focuses on the ability to attract notice and have one's views considered by others.

FAQs

How can I use "has a voice" in a sentence?

You can use "has a voice" to indicate someone's ability to express their opinions or exert influence, as in "The community now "has a say" in local governance" or "Every citizen "can express opinions" through national dialogue".

What are some alternatives to "has a voice"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "is able to speak out", "carries weight", or "holds sway".

Is it appropriate to use "has a voice" for inanimate objects?

While you can use "has a voice" metaphorically for inanimate objects, like saying "This book "provides perspective" in that discussion", it's generally more effective to reserve the phrase for people or groups who are literally expressing their views.

What does it mean when someone says a brand "has a voice"?

When referring to a brand, "has a brand identity" typically means it has a distinct and recognizable personality and communication style that resonates with its target audience.