it sounds thick

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it sounds thick" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sound that is rich, heavy, or full, often in the context of music, voice, or texture. Example: "The new speaker system produces a sound that is so rich and immersive; it sounds thick, enveloping the entire room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Music

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

When you belt it out it almost always sounds thin and small but when you sing quiet, close and intimate it sounds thick, warm and huge — but then it can lose gusto.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

I softened my accent, because an English-Irish friend at school said it made people sound thick.

Vice

Clare's voice sounded thick around the edges, and it lingered afterward in the air between us.

The New York Times - Magazine

His voice sounded thick with emotion as he checked his watch.

The Guardian

She stood occasionally, to play slashing, tinny lines on an unamplified electric guitar of her own design — a red Ernie Ball Music Man, from her signature line, that retails for upward of fifteen hundred dollars — which, on playback, sounded thick and throbby.

The New Yorker

If you know anything about garbage or snow clearance, chances are you know his voice, a nasal squawk with a New York accent so thick it sounds as if he is hamming it up.

The New York Times

Daltrey's voice sounded thicker and rougher-edged than it did in the sixties and seventies, but it had power and volume, and as the night progressed he took greater chances with it, throwing back his head and holding sustained high notes.

The New Yorker

It sounded like a thick branch snapping off a tree.

The New York Times

Mr. Rubalcaba can hit keys so quickly and lightly that it sounds as if he's only plucking a string; it made it easier to appreciate Mr. Hancock's softer, thicker sound.

The New York Times - Arts

These feelings were, for some, bound up with the process of accepting and dealing with illness; the receipt of benefits symbolising an inability to cope with the financial aspects of life that had previously been managed prior to becoming ill with cancer, Carer: It makes us sound thick, but my husband always said, oh I'm not bad enough.

BMC Health Services Research

He seemed to be striving to give the music gravity and weight, but it just sounded stodgy and thick.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing audio quality, use "it sounds thick" to convey a sense of richness and fullness, particularly in music or voice recordings. Be mindful of the context to ensure it aligns with the intended positive connotation.

Common error

Avoid using "it sounds thick" in formal or professional writing where a more precise or technical description of sound quality is expected. Opt for terms like "rich", "full-bodied", or "resonant" depending on the specific attribute you wish to convey.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it sounds thick" functions primarily as a descriptive expression. It attributes a particular quality to a sound, indicating that the sound is rich, full, and substantial. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase can be used in various contexts to describe qualities of sound, such as music or a person's voice.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Arts

25%

Music

20%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it sounds thick" is a descriptive expression used to convey a subjective impression of sound quality, indicating a rich, full, and substantial sound. While grammatically correct and relatively common, its usage varies across different contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, particularly in describing music or voice. It's generally appropriate for neutral to informal registers and most frequently found in news, arts, and music-related content. While versatile, it should be used judiciously in formal contexts where more precise terminology may be preferred.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it has a rich sound

Focuses on the fullness and quality of the sound, replacing "thick" with a more standard descriptor.

it sounds full-bodied

Emphasizes the completeness and depth of the sound, similar to describing wine.

it sounds dense

Highlights the compactness and intensity of the sound.

it sounds heavy

Indicates the sound has a significant weight or impact.

it sounds layered

Suggests the sound is composed of multiple elements contributing to its richness.

it sounds powerful

Emphasizes the strength and impact of the sound.

it sounds resonant

Focuses on the echoing and prolonged quality of the sound.

it sounds substantial

Highlights the significant or considerable nature of the sound.

it has a deep sound

Focuses on the depth and lower frequencies present in the sound.

it sounds robust

Implies the sound is strong, healthy, and vigorous.

FAQs

How can I use "it sounds thick" in a sentence?

You can use "it sounds thick" to describe a sound that is rich, heavy, or full. For example, "The new recording has a lush quality; "it sounds thick" and immersive."

What are some alternatives to saying "it sounds thick"?

Alternatives include "it sounds rich", "it sounds full-bodied", or "it sounds dense", depending on the specific aspect of the sound you want to emphasize.

Is "it sounds thick" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "it sounds thick" may be too informal for some formal contexts. Consider using more precise and professional terms like "resonant", "full", or "deep".

What does "it sounds thick" typically refer to?

The phrase "it sounds thick" usually describes audio, such as a voice, music, or sound effect, that has a substantial, full, and often warm quality. It can also describe the sound quality of equipment such as guitars.