murmuring

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "murmuring" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a soft, low sound or a quiet expression of discontent or complaint. Example: "The audience was murmuring in response to the speaker's controversial remarks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As visitors walked over the wooden floor, they heard him murmuring sexual fantasies about them while masturbating, thereby evoking the paranoia of the Nixon era.

The Guardian - Arts

Adrian Lester and Rory Kinnear are seated close together in a little room at the National theatre, murmuring to one another, drinking water and eating peanuts.

The Guardian

Even senior Tories are murmuring about all-women shortlists.

The Guardian - Opinion

But the triumph of waddling through the security check and explosives test and murmuring "dat'll show the man" is fleeting when the monitor shows that your flight has been cancelled or delayed.

The Guardian - Travel

There is some murmuring at that observation.

The Guardian

For years she consigned it to the dark, though its full-figured characters surfaced in her novels: dreaming of Nockerl and whipped cream, murmuring "Ach!" under their breath.

The Economist

He asked Mr Patch to shoot him, but died first, murmuring "Mother!" It was not a cry of despair, but of surprise and joy.

The Economist

Some South Africans talk of recolonisation, murmuring that the last time the Dutch arrived in the Cape, in 1652, they stayed for hundreds of years and treated the locals rather badly.

The Economist

Around the ancient monasteries and in the narrow streets of the city's old quarter, filled with the shuffle and drone of pilgrims murmuring their prayers, residents say that security is being tightened.It usually is around this time of year.

The Economist

He crept back in the evening to see if anyone was still alive, and found a few of his neighbours still murmuring, despite having had their arms or legs hacked off.

The Economist

RelayRides renters are vetted but following an accident in Boston earlier this year when one was killed, insurers have been murmuring more loudly about cancelling or not renewing the policies of car owners who dabble in peer-to-peer car-sharing.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "murmuring" to describe a low, indistinct sound, often speech or a gentle natural noise. This adds a layer of subtlety and sensory detail to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "murmuring" to describe sounds that are inherently loud or distinct. "Murmuring" implies a quiet, often indistinct quality, which contrasts with sounds like shouts or alarms.

Linguistic Context

The word "murmuring" primarily functions as a verb, often in its present participle form, describing the act of making a soft, indistinct sound. It can also function as a noun, referring to the sound itself. Ludwig provides various examples of its usage in both forms.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "murmuring" is a versatile word, predominantly used as a verb or noun to depict soft, indistinct sounds. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical structure is correct, and it's frequently found in news articles and encyclopedias. The term carries a neutral register, making it suitable for diverse writing styles. When choosing an alternative, consider options like "muttering" or "whispering" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember, "murmuring" is best used for quiet sounds, differentiating it from louder or more distinct noises.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

muttering

Implies a less distinct and more negative tone than "murmuring".

grumbling

Focuses on expressing discontent quietly, a specific subset of "murmuring".

whispering

Suggests secrecy or privacy, absent in the general sense of "murmuring".

uttering softly

Highlights the act of speaking quietly, similar to "murmuring".

softly speaking

Emphasizes the low volume of speech inherent in "murmuring".

speaking in hushed tones

Indicates discretion or confidentiality, which is not always implied by "murmuring".

mumbling

Conveys a lack of clarity and precision in speech, not necessarily present in "murmuring".

humming

Involves a wordless vocalization, unlike the verbal nature of "murmuring".

lowering voice

Focuses on the action of reducing volume, while "murmuring" describes the resulting sound.

making a low sound

A broader term encompassing any quiet noise, not specifically speech as with "murmuring".

FAQs

How can I use "murmuring" in a sentence?

You can use "murmuring" to describe a quiet, indistinct sound, like in the sentence, "The crowd was "murmuring" in anticipation before the concert began."

What words are similar to "murmuring"?

Similar words include "muttering", "whispering", and "humming". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "murmuring" to describe sounds other than speech?

Yes, "murmuring" can describe natural sounds like a "murmuring brook" or the "murmuring wind", not just human speech.

What is the difference between "murmuring" and "muttering"?

"Murmuring" generally implies a softer, more indistinct sound, while "muttering" often suggests discontent or speaking under one's breath.