lower your voice

USAGE SUMMARY

"lower your voice" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used in imperative sentences to instruct someone to speak in a softer or quieter tone. Example: "Lower your voice, we don't want to disturb the other passengers on the train."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

RICK -- (softly) Lower your voice!

The New York Times

But once you've attracted attention, lower your voice and speed.

Harvard Business Review

It is the kind of atmosphere that causes you to lower your voice when you speak.

The Guardian - Sport

Lower your voice; you are not at home or in a telephone booth.

The New York Times

"Lower your voice," I said, alarmed, although there was no reason to feel alarmed; it was unlikely that anyone would hear us.

The New Yorker

ACTING HUSH-HUSH -- Do not suddenly lower your voice that is a signal for co-workers to perk up their ears.

The New York Times

Some people were able (lower your voice) to emigrate from the country, which was pretty unimaginable, but we were not among those people, for a variety of reasons.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

The ladies were happily engaged in conversation when a man, crossing the street while yelling down his cellphone, barked: "Will you two lower your voices?

The New York Times - Magazine

"He's got footage of me writing My Shot in the Morris-Jumel Mansion, working out Burr's 'Gentleman, lower your voices'.

The Guardian

Put your beers down and lower your voices.

Forbes

Lowering your voice can be much more effective.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the setting when using "lower your voice". It's appropriate in libraries, restaurants, or any place where quiet is expected.

Common error

Avoid using "lower your voice" aggressively or condescendingly. A calm and respectful tone is essential for effective communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lower your voice" functions as an imperative, directly instructing someone to reduce the volume of their speech. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which identifies it as a common directive.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lower your voice" is a grammatically correct and very common imperative phrase used to ask someone to speak more quietly. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is to directly instruct someone to reduce their volume. It is generally neutral in register and finds frequent usage in News & Media and Wiki contexts. When using this phrase, consider the tone and situation to ensure effective and respectful communication. Alternatives include ""speak softer"" or ""keep your voice down"" for a more polite approach.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keep your voice down

This alternative emphasizes maintaining a low volume.

speak softer

This alternative is more direct and concise, focusing on the softness of the voice.

speak quietly

This is a straightforward request to reduce the volume of one's speech.

quiet down

This is a more general command to reduce noise, not specifically targeting the voice.

tone it down

This phrase implies reducing the intensity or volume of speech.

soften your tone

This focuses on the manner of speaking rather than just the volume.

be quieter

A general request for silence or reduced noise level.

muffle your voice

This suggests making the voice less clear or distinct, possibly by covering the mouth.

hush

A simple and direct command to be silent or quiet.

whisper

This suggests speaking in a very quiet voice, almost inaudible.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to tell someone to "lower your voice"?

It's appropriate in situations where someone's voice is too loud and disruptive, such as in a library, a classroom, or during a performance. It's also suitable in private settings when a conversation needs to remain discreet.

What's a more polite way to ask someone to "lower your voice"?

You can use softer phrasing such as "Could you "speak softer", please?" or "Could you "keep your voice down" a little?" depending on the context.

What does it mean when someone tells you to "lower your voice"?

It means that your voice is too loud, and you need to "speak quietly" or in a more subdued manner to avoid disturbing others or drawing unwanted attention.

Is there a difference between "lower your voice" and "tone it down"?

"Lower your voice" specifically refers to reducing the volume of your speech. "Tone it down" is more general and can refer to reducing the intensity or aggressiveness of your speech or behavior, not just the volume.