hoarse voice

USAGE SUMMARY

"hoarse voice" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe someone's voice that is rough or rough-sounding due to an illness or a strain on the vocal cords. For example, "After a long night of singing at the concert, his hoarse voice was still audible to the crowd."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Hoarse voice.

The Guardian

A hoarse voice answered.

The New Yorker

"It's no use," a slightly hoarse voice said.

The New Yorker

His hoarse voice is his most appealing asset.

The New Yorker

The hoarse voice, the outsized lips, that big laugh.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The main side effect, he said, is a hoarse voice.

The New York Times

He couldn't decide whether he liked her hoarse voice.

The New Yorker

Instead, It's written by a man with a hoarse voice and a perma-smile.

Independent

Achatz answered, his hoarse voice rising, "He did it, but did he enjoy it?

The New Yorker

She screamed the words in a hoarse voice, & kept time with her umbrella.

The New Yorker

And then there is that deep hoarse voice and that sulfurous laugh.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character's emotional state, use "hoarse voice" to indicate illness, fatigue, or suppressed emotion. For example: "In a "hoarse voice", she whispered her goodbye."

Common error

Avoid the common mistake of misspelling "hoarse" as "horse." "Hoarse" refers to a rough or grating voice, while "horse" refers to the animal. Proofread carefully to ensure correct usage.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hoarse voice" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "hoarse" modifies the noun "voice". It is used to describe a particular quality of someone's voice. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

27%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hoarse voice" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe a rough or grating vocal quality. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s a correct and usable phrase in English. Its high usage across news media and scientific publications, as revealed by Ludwig's analysis, underscores its general applicability. When using the phrase, consider the context to ensure it accurately conveys the intended meaning, distinguishing it from similar terms like "raspy voice" or "husky voice". Be mindful of potential misspellings such as confusing "hoarse" with "horse". Overall, "hoarse voice" is a reliable and versatile term for describing a particular vocal condition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

raspy voice

Focuses on the rough, grating quality of the voice.

gravelly voice

Emphasizes the low, rough tone, similar to gravel.

throaty voice

Highlights the origin of the sound in the throat, often implying a deep or husky quality.

husky voice

Suggests a breathy, slightly hoarse quality, often considered attractive.

rough voice

A general term for a voice lacking smoothness.

croaky voice

Implies a sound similar to a frog's croak, often due to illness.

thick voice

Describes a voice that is heavy and difficult to understand clearly.

sore throat

Focuses on the physical discomfort causing the voice change rather than the sound itself.

lost voice

Indicates a complete or near-complete inability to speak audibly.

strained voice

Emphasizes the effort required to speak, suggesting overuse or tension.

FAQs

What causes a "hoarse voice"?

A "hoarse voice" can be caused by several factors, including laryngitis, vocal cord strain, allergies, smoking, or acid reflux. It indicates inflammation or irritation of the vocal cords.

When should I seek medical attention for a "hoarse voice"?

If your "hoarse voice" persists for more than two weeks, or if it is accompanied by pain, difficulty swallowing, or coughing up blood, you should consult a doctor. These symptoms could indicate a more serious underlying condition.

What are some home remedies to soothe a "hoarse voice"?

To soothe a "hoarse voice", try resting your voice, drinking plenty of fluids, using a humidifier, and avoiding irritants like smoke and alcohol. Gargling with warm salt water can also provide relief.

What can I say instead of "hoarse voice"?

You can use alternatives like "raspy voice", "gravelly voice", or "husky voice" to describe a similar vocal quality. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.