husky voice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "husky voice" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone's voice that is low and somewhat raspy-sounding. For example, "She spoke in a husky voice that was almost a whisper."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

General Conversation

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Her husky voice was shaky.

The Guardian - Books

I didn't speak, just listened to her husky voice.

The New Yorker

He has a husky voice, stage presence and vitality.

The New York Times - Arts

You couldn't take your ears off her cracked, husky voice.

The Guardian

Ms. Ludwig's first comments were about his husky voice.

The New York Times - Arts

Some say that she did not really sing, that her husky voice bordered more on speaking.

The Economist

"I have not lined up since," he said in that familiar husky voice.

The New York Times - Sports

In her husky voice Ms. Shaw actually sings a couple of songs, including Jacques Brel's "Jacky".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

The husky-voice tenor Walter Fraccaro sings Pinkerton.

The New York Times

You're blonde, and you have a very nice... quite husky... voice".

Independent

Gyllenhaal has a beautiful husky voice and a slight lisp.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "husky voice" to describe a voice that has a combination of depth and a slightly rough or breathy quality. It often suggests a sense of warmth, sensuality, or experience.

Common error

Avoid using "husky voice" when the intended meaning is a voice made rough or unclear due to illness or strain. "Hoarse voice" is more appropriate in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "husky voice" functions as a descriptive noun phrase, where "husky" modifies the noun "voice". As evidenced by Ludwig, this construction is commonly used to describe the quality of someone's voice, indicating a deep and slightly rough or hoarse sound.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Arts

15%

General Conversation

10%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "husky voice" is a widely recognized and accepted descriptive noun phrase used to characterize a voice with a distinctive low and somewhat rough quality. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts. It functions to evoke a specific auditory image, often associated with qualities like warmth or sensuality. While adaptable to different registers, it is most prevalent in news and media and art-related discussions. When using the phrase, it's important to differentiate it from "hoarse voice", which implies a roughness due to illness or strain. Exploring synonyms like "raspy" or "gravelly" can add nuance to your descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

raspy voice

Replaces 'husky' with 'raspy', emphasizing the rough quality of the voice.

gravelly voice

Uses 'gravelly' to describe a voice with a rough, low-pitched sound.

throaty voice

Focuses on the origin of the sound in the throat, suggesting a deep, rich quality.

low voice

Simplifies the description to just the low pitch of the voice.

deep voice

Similar to 'low voice', but emphasizes the depth and resonance.

smoky voice

Evokes a sense of warmth and smoothness combined with a slight rasp.

velvet voice

Similar to 'smoky voice', evokes a sensation of smooth texture. Use with caution, as "velvet voice" is sometimes employed to describe a very smooth and elegant voice, the opposite of a 'husky voice'.

hoarse voice

Indicates a roughness or harshness in the voice, often due to illness or overuse.

rough voice

A general term indicating a lack of smoothness in the voice.

thick voice

Suggests a voice that is heavy and somewhat muffled.

FAQs

How can I describe a "husky voice"?

A "husky voice" is often characterized by its low pitch, breathiness, and slight roughness. It can sound warm, sensual, or even a bit mysterious. Consider using adjectives like 'smoky', 'throaty', or 'velvety' depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What are some synonyms for "husky voice"?

Some alternatives to "husky voice" include "raspy voice", "gravelly voice", "throaty voice", or "smoky voice". The best choice depends on the specific qualities you want to emphasize.

Is it appropriate to describe both men and women as having a "husky voice"?

Yes, "husky voice" can be used to describe the voice of both men and women. While it might be more commonly associated with female singers or actresses, it is equally applicable to men.

What's the difference between a "husky voice" and a "breathy voice"?

While both describe qualities of the voice, a "husky voice" implies a lower pitch and some roughness, whereas a "breathy voice" primarily indicates a sound with a lot of air escaping, creating a softer, airy quality. A voice can be both husky and breathy.