mutter to herself

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mutter to herself" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone is speaking quietly or softly to themselves, often in a reflective or contemplative manner. Example: "As she walked through the empty halls, she began to mutter to herself about the decisions she had made."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Laurie was the bright-toned person who answered Ravioli's phone and told you that unfortunately Mr. Ravioli was in a meeting... Writer tells about listening to Olivia mutter to herself about Ravioli.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Lifestyle?" she muttered to herself.

The New York Times

She looked angry and estranged, muttering to herself.

The New Yorker

But she only muttered to herself, jerking her head spasmodically.

The New York Times - Science

"Do I need these?" Ms. Shak muttered to herself.

The New York Times

Go back to your share house, she muttered to herself.

The New Yorker

I later came upon her muttering to herself, 'Redrum.

The New York Times

And then she muttered to herself, "God, I hate lending people my knives".

The New Yorker

That she keeps muttering to herself on the street isn't a good sign.

Independent

Sarah spent the journey shaking violently, her eyes screwed shut, muttering to herself.

The Guardian

At various points in the round, Sorenstam could be heard muttering to herself in both English and Swedish.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "mutter to herself" to depict a character's internal thoughts or reactions, adding depth to their personality and creating a sense of intimacy with the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "mutter to herself" when the character is clearly speaking to someone else, even if quietly. The phrase implies the character is primarily talking to themselves, not engaging in a direct conversation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mutter to herself" functions as a verb phrase that describes an action performed by a subject (usually female) upon herself. Ludwig AI confirms that it indicates a quiet or indistinct way of speaking, often reflecting internal thoughts or reactions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

7%

Science

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "mutter to herself" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe someone speaking quietly and indistinctly to themselves. Ludwig AI analysis confirms this assessment. While versatile, it's best used to depict a character's private thoughts or reactions rather than direct conversation. As noted in Ludwig's findings, related phrases include "whisper to herself" and "murmur to herself", offering slight nuances in meaning. When writing, be mindful of the context and ensure it aligns with the implication of self-directed speech.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

murmur to herself

Focuses on the low, indistinct quality of the speech.

whisper to herself

Emphasizes the quietness and secrecy of the speech.

speak under her breath

Highlights the low volume and the intention to not be overheard.

talk to herself quietly

A more straightforward and less idiomatic way of expressing the same idea.

mumble to herself

Suggests unclear or mumbled speech.

utter to herself

A more formal synonym for "mutter".

remark to herself

Indicates a brief comment or observation made privately.

comment to herself

Similar to remark, but implies a bit more deliberation

soliloquize

Implies a more formal or theatrical self-address.

think out loud

Highlights the act of verbalizing one's thoughts rather than internalizing them.

FAQs

How can I use "mutter to herself" in a sentence?

You can use "mutter to herself" to describe someone speaking quietly and indistinctly to themselves. For example: "She began to mutter to herself as she reviewed the instructions."

What's a good substitute for "mutter to herself"?

Alternatives include "whisper to herself", "murmur to herself", or "speak under her breath" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever appropriate to use "mutter to himself" instead of "mutter to herself"?

Yes, use "mutter to himself" when the subject is male. The reflexive pronoun should match the gender of the subject. For a non-binary subject, consider "mutter to themself".

What does it mean when someone is always "muttering to themselves"?

Frequently "muttering to themselves" can indicate nervousness, anxiety, or deep concentration. In some contexts, it could also be a sign of a mental health condition, but this should only be considered by qualified professionals.