low sound

USAGE SUMMARY

"low sound" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to a sound that is not loud or deep. For example, "She heard a low sound coming from the other room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

Gabe made a low sound.

The New Yorker

"A low sound is a dot.

The New York Times

From within issues light and the low sound of Mr. Kabakov singing.

The New York Times - Arts

Late one night, as I walked down the hall, I heard a soft, low sound and looked down the stairway.

The New Yorker

They reasoned that even a low sound barrier, perhaps three or four feet high, would quell the racket.

The New York Times

There's also another feeling, other than discontent at the low sound levels, and that's one of fatigue.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

All was silent save those low sounds, and the occasional snorting and pawing of steeds".

The Guardian - Books

A recent study from Oxford University revealed that high-frequency sounds enhance sweetness in food, while low sounds bring out bitterness.

The Guardian

Low sounds are usually emitted by objects large enough to generate the long wavelengths of those notes.

The New York Times

He tells us about the barn "full of low sounds," and you're almost there, listening reverently.

The New York Times - Books

Mr. Hakmoun drew low sounds from a three-stringed lute called a sintir, sang beautifully and tapped minimally.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an environment or situation where noise reduction is desired, use "low sound" to indicate a minimal level of auditory disturbance. For example, "The library maintained a deliberately low sound environment to facilitate concentration."

Common error

Avoid using "low sound" when you specifically mean "low frequency". "Low sound" refers to volume or intensity, whereas "low frequency" describes the pitch of the sound. For example, instead of saying 'The dog barked with a low sound', consider 'The dog barked with a low frequency growl'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "low sound" functions primarily as a noun phrase modified by an adjective. As Ludwig AI explains, it refers to a sound characterized by reduced intensity or volume. It commonly serves to describe auditory experiences or acoustic properties in various contexts, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

36%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "low sound" is a common phrase used to describe sounds of reduced intensity or volume. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and widely used in diverse contexts, ranging from news and media to scientific research. While simple in its meaning, it's important to distinguish "low sound" (referring to volume) from related concepts like "low frequency" (referring to pitch). When aiming for precision, alternative phrases like "faint noise" or "soft sound" may offer more descriptive nuance. Ultimately, "low sound" serves as a versatile and accessible term for characterizing auditory experiences in a variety of communication settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

faint noise

Replaces "sound" with "noise" and "low" with "faint", emphasizing the barely audible quality.

soft sound

Uses "soft" instead of "low" to describe the gentle nature of the sound.

muted sound

Emphasizes the suppressed or muffled nature of the sound.

subdued noise

Combines "subdued" with "noise" to suggest a less intense auditory experience.

gentle sound

Replaces "low" with "gentle", highlighting the mildness of the sound.

quiet sound

Focuses on the reduced volume of the sound.

feeble sound

Highlights the weakness or lack of strength in the sound.

inaudible murmur

Describes a sound so quiet it's nearly impossible to hear.

distant hum

Implies a quiet, continuous sound that originates from afar.

barely audible sound

Emphasizes the marginal audibility of the sound.

FAQs

What does "low sound" mean?

"Low sound" generally refers to a sound that has a reduced intensity or volume, making it quiet or barely audible. It is often used to describe sounds that are not loud or overwhelming.

How can I describe a "low sound" more precisely?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "faint noise", "soft sound", or "muted sound" to provide a more specific description.

Is it correct to say "low sound level" instead of "low sound"?

Yes, "low sound level" is a grammatically correct alternative. It emphasizes the measurable intensity of the sound. The choice between "low sound" and "low sound level" depends on the specific context and the level of detail required.

When should I use "low sound" instead of "quiet"?

"Low sound" specifically refers to the characteristic of the sound itself, whereas "quiet" can refer to the overall environment. You might say "the room had a low sound because of the thick curtains", while "the room was quiet" suggests a general absence of noise.