mumble

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mumble" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe speaking in a low or unclear voice, often making it difficult for others to understand. Example: "During the presentation, he tended to mumble, which made it hard for the audience to follow along."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Here's what it sounds like, literally, just now: Reporter: [inaudible mumble mumble mumble] Boehner: Nice try.

The Guardian

I do deny it, as anyone who has heard me mumble the words "glottal stop" will attest.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It's a chance for me to mumble over quirky sounds.

The Guardian - Music

For years, I'd mumble – ashamed – "I'm Italian" when asked the provenance of my name.

The Guardian - Opinion

We have a right to mumble.

The Guardian - Tech

The students, shocked and embarrassed, would mumble polite questions about treatment; the dying, full of passion and anger, spoke of the weddings and children they would never have.

The Economist

EVER noticed how people speak louder when using a mobile phone, even if they usually mumble on a landline or in person?

The Economist

This may have to do with Eurostat's simulation assumptions (they mumble something about a "convergence scenario" on the web site, but I didn't have time to dig into the details).

The Economist

But, mumble Mr Galbraith's opponents, why on earth should a solid citizen from Charlestown or Chelsea cast a vote for such a man?

The Economist

"SINCE I've become a central banker, I've learnt to mumble with great incoherence.

The Economist

"Keep Portland sanctimonious," mumble a few contrarians, while others savour the irony that Portland had to steal the slogan from Austin, Texas.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "mumble" to describe speech that is difficult to understand due to low volume or unclear articulation. Ensure the context implies a lack of clarity rather than simply quietness.

Common error

Avoid using "mumble" when "mutter" is more appropriate. "Mutter" often implies discontent or speaking to oneself, while "mumble" simply describes unclear or quiet speech regardless of the speaker's intent.

Linguistic Context

The word "mumble" primarily functions as a verb, describing the act of speaking in a way that is difficult to understand due to low volume or poor articulation. Ludwig examples show its use in describing speakers who don't articulate clearly.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Science

30%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "mumble" is a verb used to describe speaking unclearly or quietly, making it difficult for listeners to understand. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, predominantly in news and media. While "mumble" is often used neutrally, it's essential to differentiate it from "mutter", which implies a negative tone. When using "mumble", ensure the context indicates unclear articulation rather than simply low volume. For alternatives, consider "mutter", "murmur", or "speak indistinctly" to best fit the nuance you intend to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mutter

Implies a lower volume and more negative tone than "mumble".

murmur

Suggests a softer, less distinct form of speaking compared to "mumble".

speak indistinctly

Focuses on the lack of clarity in speech, a key element of "mumble".

speak softly

Highlights the low volume aspect of "mumble", though not necessarily unclear.

talk under one's breath

Emphasizes the quietness and possible secrecy of the speech, unlike the general lack of clarity in "mumble".

babble

Suggests nonsensical or incoherent speech, a more extreme form of unclear communication than "mumble".

whisper

Focuses on the extremely low volume of speech, distinct from the potential lack of clarity in "mumble".

drone

Implies a monotonous and often inaudible way of speaking, different from the general indistinctness of "mumble".

slur

Highlights the lack of clear articulation, a key aspect of "mumble", but often due to impairment.

gabble

Suggests rapid and incoherent speech, a more chaotic form of unclear communication than "mumble".

FAQs

How do I use "mumble" in a sentence?

You can use "mumble" to describe someone speaking quietly and unclearly, for example, "He tends to "mumble" when he's nervous" or "The student would "mutter" answers under his breath, making it hard to hear".

What is the difference between "mumble" and "mutter"?

"Mumble" generally refers to speaking quietly and unclearly, while "mutter" often implies speaking in a low voice due to annoyance or to oneself. You might "mumble" if you're shy, but you'd "mutter" a complaint.

What can I say instead of "mumble"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "mutter", "murmur", or "speak indistinctly".

Is it ever appropriate to "mumble" intentionally?

While usually unintentional, "mumble" might be used deliberately to avoid being overheard or to downplay what you're saying. For example, someone might intentionally "speak softly" or "mumble" an apology they don't fully mean.