indistinct speech

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "indistinct speech" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe speech that is unclear or difficult to understand, often due to mumbling or background noise. Example: "During the meeting, the speaker's indistinct speech made it hard for the audience to follow the presentation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

He also became nationally known, recognizable by his stooped physique, his heavy glasses and his indistinct speech, Mr. Casey's earlier high posts were in the Nixon and Ford Administrations.

The New York Times

Waugh's description is of someone "tall, almost loutish, with the face of a petulant baby", of indistinct speech, who "smoked a pipe which was attached to his blubber-lips by a thread of slime".

Wikipedia

Of the two affected parents who were related to typically developing probands, one received speech and language therapy when she was younger, the other reported on-going problems with indistinct speech as well as difficulties with reading and writing.

Genes, Brain and Behavior

Many people can take indistinct speech and understand it by reading your lips.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

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Vice

She was clearly uncomfortable, her speech was often indistinct and she acknowledged that, among other things, she had lied previously about her age and why she did not attend Mr. Martin's wake.

The New York Times

Parkinson's disease has left Mr. Lindsay in a wheelchair most of the time, and it has reduced his speech to short, often indistinct phrases uttered with difficulty, Mrs. Lindsay says.

The New York Times

They are usually able to speak; the speech is thick and indistinct, but may be improved very greatly by a well-directed scheme of tongue gymnastics.

Huffington Post

3 And though the sounds which they made were at first unintelligible and indistinct, yet gradually they came to give articulation to their speech, and by agreeing with one another upon symbols for each thing which presented itself to them, made known among themselves the significance which was to be attached to each term.

University of Chicago

As the divine speech (kalâm), the Koran is understood as nonmanifest and indistinct from the Divine Essence, though it becomes manifest in recitation and writing.

SEP

Less severely affected patients had speech that was difficult to characterize, being only slightly indistinct or slow.

Brain

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character in fiction, use "indistinct speech" to subtly convey personality traits such as shyness, discomfort, or even a hidden agenda. This can add depth to your character development.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "indistinct speech" as the only defining characteristic of someone. While it can be a significant trait, ensure you provide other details to create a well-rounded and believable portrayal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "indistinct speech" functions as a descriptive term. It characterizes the quality of speech, indicating that it lacks clarity or distinctness. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is considered correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "indistinct speech" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe speech that is not clear or easily understandable. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. While not overly common, it appears across various contexts, including news, scientific articles, and academic texts, suggesting a neutral register. When writing, remember to offer further context to explain the indistinctness rather than relying on it as a singular descriptor. Consider alternatives like "mumbled words" or "unclear articulation" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unclear articulation

Focuses on the physical act of speaking, highlighting a lack of clarity in how words are formed.

mumbled words

Emphasizes the muffled and often incomprehensible nature of the speech.

slurred speech

Highlights a lack of precision and distinctness in pronunciation, often associated with medical conditions or intoxication.

incomprehensible speech

Indicates that the speech is impossible to understand.

garbled language

Suggests that the speech is disordered and confused, making it difficult to decipher.

thick speech

Implies difficulty in speaking due to tongue or mouth control issues.

inaudible voice

Focuses on the lack of sound or volume in the speech, making it hard to hear.

blurred pronunciation

Highlights the lack of sharp distinction in how sounds are produced.

faint speech

Indicates speech that is weak or barely perceptible.

murmured utterances

Suggests low, indistinct speaking, often at a very quiet volume.

FAQs

How can I use "indistinct speech" in a sentence?

You can use "indistinct speech" to describe someone whose words are difficult to understand. For example: "Due to the poor audio quality, the speaker's speech was indistinct".

What are some alternatives to "indistinct speech"?

Alternatives include "unclear articulation", "mumbled words", or "slurred speech", depending on the specific reason for the lack of clarity.

Is "indistinct speech" formal or informal?

"Indistinct speech" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

What causes someone to have "indistinct speech"?

Several factors can cause "indistinct speech", including medical conditions, speech impediments, anxiety, or simply speaking too quietly or quickly.