it sounds ugly

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence 'it sounds ugly' is correct and can be used in written English.
You could use this sentence when you want to express that something sounds unpleasant or unappealing. For example: "My friend suggested I dye my hair blue and green, but it sounds ugly so I think I'll pass."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

To some, it sounds ugly.

The Guardian

It sounds ugly and uncouth and unladylike, I know.

The Guardian - Opinion

I asked the young woman behind the sales counter, "Who makes money from these sales?" She answered, "The artists," adding, "It sounds ugly, I know".

The New York Times - Arts

Some people say it sounds ugly.

Vice

As the legend goes, the first time the Sex Pistols former manager heard Game Boy music he turned to then-collaborators Jacques Fantino and Thierry Criscione and exclaimed, "It sounds ugly... but this music is so beautiful!" McLaren would then go on to make the widely-contested claim that chiptune was punk, "the next step in the evolution of rock and roll".

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Meanwhile, just as the phrase "capturing the zeitgeist" now sounds ugly and stale (assuming it ever didn't), so a lot of Generation X has grown tired and perhaps over-familiar with age.

The Guardian - Books

"I wish I could eat your cancer, when you turn black," sounds ugly and exploitative, but it was an attempt to express the almost irrational desperation of love.

Los Angeles Times

This sounds ugly at first.

TechCrunch

Sounds ugly?

Vice

The problem with this urinal, which city officials call a pissoir (one of the few instances where a French word sounds uglier than its English counterpart), is that privacy-wise, it has none.

Los Angeles Times

He called it the "Democrat Party," misstating the name to make it sound uglier: a locution that George W. Bush has adopted.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the specific sound being described. Is it simply unappealing, or is it grating, discordant, or otherwise unpleasant in a more specific way? Choosing a more precise descriptor can enhance your writing.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on subjective adjectives like "ugly". Instead, describe the specific qualities of the sound that make it unappealing. For example, instead of saying "it sounds ugly", you could say "it sounds distorted and tinny".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it sounds ugly" functions as a subjective evaluation of an auditory experience. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered correct and can be used to describe something that sounds unpleasant. It expresses a personal opinion or feeling about a specific sound.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it sounds ugly" is a grammatically sound and relatively common way to express a negative opinion about a particular sound. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While versatile, its register leans toward informal settings; in professional or academic environments, more precise and descriptive language may be more suitable. Consider the specific qualities of the sound – is it discordant, grating, or simply unappealing? Describing those qualities can enhance your writing. Ludwig's examples and related phrases offer a variety of ways to convey a similar meaning with different levels of intensity and formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it sounds unpleasant

Replaces "ugly" with a more general term for something not pleasing.

it sounds distasteful

Emphasizes the repulsiveness of the sound.

it sounds awful

Uses a stronger term than "ugly" to indicate a negative auditory experience.

it sounds terrible

Similar to 'awful', indicating a very bad sound.

it sounds horrendous

Implies a shocking or dreadful quality of the sound.

it sounds grating

Focuses on the irritating quality of the sound.

it sounds jarring

Highlights the sound's disruptive or unsettling nature.

it sounds discordant

Emphasizes a lack of harmony or agreement in the sound.

it sounds cacophonous

A more technical term for a harsh, unpleasant mixture of sounds.

it sounds like nails on a chalkboard

A vivid simile to describe a particularly irritating sound.

FAQs

What does "it sounds ugly" mean?

The phrase "it sounds ugly" is used to express that something heard is unpleasant or unappealing. The speaker finds the sound displeasing or unattractive.

What can I say instead of "it sounds ugly"?

You can use alternatives like "it sounds unpleasant", "it sounds awful", or "it sounds distasteful" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "it sounds ugly" too harsh?

The phrase can be perceived as harsh depending on the context and audience. Consider using a milder alternative like "it sounds unappealing" or "it sounds rough" if you want to soften the criticism.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "it sounds ugly"?

Use "it sounds ugly" in informal contexts when you want to express a straightforward, albeit subjective, opinion about a sound. Avoid using it in formal or professional settings where more nuanced language is expected.