muttering

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "muttering" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe speaking in a low or indistinct voice, often in a way that is difficult to understand, typically expressing discontent or annoyance. Example: "He was muttering under his breath about the unfair decision made by the committee."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

When he first started putting men in pussy-bow blouses, there was muttering about boundary pushing and it was dismissed as experimental London fashion by some factions.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Will I, in 10 years, be holding my groin, muttering, "There's a frost coming"?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

When he announced last week that he intended to end his day-to-day involvement with the team, 15-year-old apprentices on the Old Trafford ground staff were heard muttering emotionally that the club would never be the same without The Boss. "They've got no right to understand what he is about, but in a weird way they do," Crerand says.

The Guardian - Sport

"I doubt that very much," he began, as two bodyguards waited patiently at the gatepost, muttering to each other via their earpieces.

The Guardian

The complaints about the programme came almost a year after BBC director general Tony Hall said the corporation could look at how to stop actors "muttering" in its TV dramas.

The Guardian

Which means that, even if he could hear what Arthur was muttering at his TV in the the night, he would not have listened.

The Guardian - Sport

Now, this may tire those of you who inexplicably keep track of my every fortnightly muttering in this space and say "wait a minute, wasn't Ben's last one of these half a step short of shouting 'all is lost!' and starting a comet cult?" Yes, my narrative about the resurgence of hope today is utterly inconsistent with everything I've been rambling about for months.

The Guardian - Sport

She was subject to a great deal of muttering: the other members of her shadow cabinet had all been shocked by her becoming leader; a lot of the grandees deeply resented that she was leading the party and they were not.

The Guardian

Listen carefully and you can hear similar muttering in the boardrooms of major companies.

The Guardian - Business

But Dave, an Australian artist, is dismissive of prepping and asking permission, muttering "pussies" under his breath when I mention it.

The Guardian - Travel

Gripping a can of lager and muttering darkly about the foreigners on the east side of town, Pete Johnson makes an unlikely champion for electoral reform.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "muttering" consider the context. The term implies a level of negativity, grumbling or secrecy. Ensure the situation and character's intent align with this connotation.

Common error

Avoid using "muttering" when a neutral or positive tone is intended. "Muttering" carries a negative implication of discontent or disapproval, so use alternatives like "murmuring" or "whispering" if the context is not negative.

Linguistic Context

The word "muttering" functions primarily as a verb, specifically as a present participle or gerund. It describes the action of speaking quietly and indistinctly, often expressing dissatisfaction. Ludwig AI indicates its correct usage in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

8%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "muttering" is a versatile word primarily functioning as a verb, describing low, indistinct speech often expressing discontent. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct and usable across diverse contexts, predominantly appearing in news and media. While generally neutral in register, it carries a negative connotation, suggesting complaint or disapproval. Consider synonyms like "murmuring" or "grumbling" based on the specific tone you wish to convey. When writing, ensure the use of "muttering" aligns with the intended negative implication, and consider context for accuracy. With a high expert rating and frequent usage, mastering "muttering" enhances descriptive writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quietly muttering

Adds the element of doing the action in a quite manner.

murmuring

Implies a softer, less distinct form of low speech.

grumbling

Suggests a low, complaining tone.

mumbling

Indicates speaking unclearly, often with the mouth closed.

murmuring complaints

Explicitly combines quiet speech with dissatisfaction.

speaking under one's breath

Describes speaking quietly so as not to be overheard.

low voice grumbling

Highlights the audibility and tone of the discontent.

whispering

Refers to speaking very quietly, often secretively.

softly complaining

Emphasizes the quiet and dissatisfied nature of the speech.

barely audible grumbling

Refers to a complaining grumble that is difficult to hear.

FAQs

How is "muttering" typically used in a sentence?

"Muttering" is often used to describe someone speaking quietly and unclearly, usually expressing dissatisfaction or annoyance. For example: "He was "muttering" under his breath." Alternatives include "murmuring" or "grumbling".

What are some synonyms for "muttering" that I can use instead?

Depending on the context, you can use synonyms like "murmuring", "mumbling", "whispering", or "grumbling". Each carries a slightly different nuance of quiet or unclear speech.

Is it correct to use "muttering" to describe a positive emotion?

No, "muttering" generally implies negativity, such as annoyance, disagreement, or discontent. It's better to use words like "murmuring" or "whispering" if describing a positive emotion.

What's the difference between "muttering" and "murmuring"?

"Muttering" often suggests a low, indistinct expression of complaint or discontent, while "murmuring" typically implies a softer, continuous, and less distinct sound, which may or may not convey negativity. "He was "muttering" about the long wait" versus "The stream was "murmuring" gently".