loud whisper

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'loud whisper' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a type of speaking style that is twice as loud as a regular whisper but still quieter than an ordinary speaking voice. For example, "She spoke the secret in a loud whisper, ensuring that only the intended listener could hear the words."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

He lowered his voice to a loud whisper.

The New Yorker

"Get away from here," I heard in a loud whisper.

The New York Times

I'd reach to my core to put out what people called a loud whisper.

The New York Times

JIMMY (in a loud whisper): It must be him coming, Major.

The New Yorker

Her vocals are a loud whisper, somehow tentative even when she's yelling.

The New Yorker

Someone said in a loud whisper, "And he doesn't even live here".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

intensive and extensive reading– and the main reading practices – i.e. out loud, whispering, silent.

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences

You could hear rustling and a loud whispering, as if the insects were hurrying off somewhere and carrying on a conversation.

The New Yorker

But there were very loud whispers and stories about how much time the mayor of Newark spent across the bridge in New York.

The Washington Post

Terrific, taut, nasty, grown-up viewing, and the stirring news is that there are loud whispers of new series of both this and The Missing next year.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

There are loud whispers that Martínez has lost some velocity (he was consistently clocked in the low 90's Sunday night) and that his stamina is eroding.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "loud whisper" sparingly to create a sense of dramatic irony or to emphasize the surreptitious nature of the communication. It is most effective when highlighting a contradiction in how something is said.

Common error

Avoid using "loud whisper" in contexts where a genuine increase in volume is intended without the element of secrecy. Opt for phrases like "raised voice" or "clear tone" when volume is the primary focus.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "loud whisper" functions primarily as a noun phrase or adjectival phrase, describing a particular manner of speaking. It acts as a modifier, providing detail about how something was said or communicated, as illustrated in examples found by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "loud whisper" is a commonly used oxymoron that creates a specific effect in writing and speech, primarily found in news and media contexts. Ludwig AI analysis confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and effective for conveying a sense of contradictory communication – an attempt at secrecy that is nonetheless audible. The best practices recommend employing it judiciously to highlight irony or surreptitious behavior, and avoiding its use when a simple increase in volume is meant.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exaggerated whisper

Emphasizes the artificiality or theatricality of the whisper.

stage whisper

Specifies a whisper intended to be heard by a larger audience, often used in theatrical contexts.

projected whisper

Indicates that the whisper is delivered with intention to reach a certain distance.

audible murmur

Replaces "whisper" with a more general term for a low sound, focusing on audibility.

forceful undertone

Shifts the focus from whispering to speaking with restrained volume but clear intention.

intense murmur

Highlights the emotional intensity conveyed through a low, hushed tone.

heightened susurrus

Uses more formal and evocative language to describe a louder whispering sound.

resonant undertone

Implies that the low voice has a noticeable depth and carrying power.

throaty aside

Conveys a remark spoken quietly and to the side, with a slightly raspy quality.

vibrant hush

Creates a vivid image of a quiet tone that is nonetheless energetic and alive.

FAQs

How can I use "loud whisper" in a sentence?

You can use "loud whisper" to describe a way of speaking that is contradictory: quiet but still somehow audible. Example: "She delivered the news in a "loud whisper" so the others wouldn't hear."

What is a synonym for "loud whisper"?

While "loud whisper" is itself an oxymoron, alternatives include "stage whisper", "exaggerated whisper", or "projected whisper", each implying a louder or more deliberate form of whispering.

Is "loud whisper" grammatically correct?

"Loud whisper" is grammatically correct as an oxymoron, a figure of speech combining contradictory terms to create a rhetorical effect. Its correctness depends on the intended literary or descriptive purpose.

What's the effect of using "loud whisper"?

The use of "loud whisper" can create effects such as humor, irony, or a sense of heightened secrecy, drawing attention to the speaker's attempt to be discreet while still being heard. It emphasizes the contradiction between the intent to conceal and the act of speaking audibly.