nervous voice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "nervous voice" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a tone of voice that conveys anxiety or apprehension, often in situations where someone is feeling uneasy or scared. Example: "When she spoke about her upcoming presentation, her nervous voice betrayed her confidence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

"You really want to go for round two?" she says, in a nervous voice.

The New Yorker

"What am I supposed to do?" I asked in a too bright, nervous voice.

The New Yorker

After a moment, in a reedy, nervous voice, she said, "I was really screwed up back then.

The New Yorker

"I'm sorry to tell you this," the nervous voice on the other line said, "but you are no longer the director of the library".

The New Yorker

Our driver rolls the window down and asks where the graveyard is.There ensues a conversation in Azeri that neither Mr Shvedov nor I can follow, but it is clear from our driver's increasingly nervous voice and the insistent questioning of the other man that it is not one we want to be having.

The Economist

In an emotional, riveting news conference, which he began in an uncharacteristically nervous voice, Mr. Giuliani said he wanted to devote his remaining 18 months in office to becoming a better mayor -- one who reaches out to minorities -- as well as becoming a better person.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

It was soon classified under the indie-rock genre emo, which is full of small, nervous voices and lyrics that confess to endless insecurities, wounds and second thoughts -- the same things that preoccupy the acoustic pop songwriters.

The New York Times - Arts

Yesterday's monstering by David Cameron at PMQs over Harriet Harman's moderate assertion that it was right that middle-income people paid more tax is a vivid explanation of why more nervous voices may prevail.

The Guardian - Opinion

He struck out the side in the sixth inning as well as the ninth, and as the possibility of his no-hitter developed, the Indians were mum on the bench, not wanting to jinx his control with their nervous voices.

The New York Times - Sports

Wholly preoccupied with chattering to each other in low, nervous voices as they made their first appearance, they seemed ready, as a group, to giggle at the entire universe.

The New Yorker

If he was nervous, his voice didn't show it.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing dialogue, use "nervous voice" to subtly reveal a character's inner state, rather than stating they are nervous. Show, don't tell.

Common error

Avoid automatically associating a "nervous voice" with dishonesty. While it can indicate deception, it more commonly signals anxiety, discomfort, or vulnerability. Context is key.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "nervous voice" functions as a noun phrase, where "nervous" acts as a descriptive adjective modifying the noun "voice". It is used to describe a specific quality or characteristic of someone's voice, indicating their emotional state. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is a correct expression.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "nervous voice" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe a voice that conveys anxiety or unease. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media or informal writing, to subtly reveal a character's inner state or a speaker's emotional condition. While it's essential not to automatically equate it with insincerity, understanding the nuances of its usage can enrich your writing and communication. Alternatives like "anxious voice" or "shaky voice" can be used for variety, but "nervous voice" remains a direct and effective way to express this particular emotional state.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

anxious voice

Replaces "nervous" with "anxious", emphasizing the worry aspect.

shaky voice

Focuses on the physical trembling effect of nervousness on the voice.

tremulous voice

A more formal synonym for "shaky voice", highlighting the instability.

hesitant voice

Emphasizes the pauses and uncertainty in the speech pattern.

faltering voice

Suggests the voice is weakening or breaking due to nervousness.

strained voice

Highlights the tension and effort in producing the voice.

high-pitched voice

Nervousness can cause the pitch of one's voice to increase.

subdued voice

Suggests a quieter, less confident tone due to nervousness.

timid voice

Highlights the shyness and lack of assertiveness.

breathless voice

Focuses on the shortness of breath impacting the voice.

FAQs

What does it mean when someone has a nervous voice?

A nervous voice typically indicates that a person is feeling anxious, uneasy, or stressed. It can manifest as a shaky tone, hesitant speech, or a higher pitch. It's important to consider the context before drawing conclusions.

What are some other ways to describe a nervous voice?

Instead of "nervous voice", you can use phrases such as "anxious voice", "shaky voice", or "tremulous voice" to convey the same meaning.

Is it always a bad thing to have a nervous voice?

Not necessarily. While a nervous voice might not project confidence, it can also signal vulnerability or sincerity, which can be appealing in certain situations. It depends on the desired impression and the specific context.

How can I avoid having a nervous voice when speaking in public?

Practicing relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing and visualization, can help calm your nerves. Preparing thoroughly and focusing on your message, rather than your anxiety, can also minimize the likelihood of a "nervous voice".