ominous voice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ominous voice" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a voice that sounds threatening or foreboding, often in a narrative or descriptive context. Example: "As the storm approached, an ominous voice echoed through the valley, warning of the impending danger."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

"More corruption," the standard ominous voice pronounces.

The New York Times

Thomas Hardy's "darkling thrush" became the ominous voice to end that century and its romanticism.

The Guardian

"We know why Mitt Romney closed his Swiss bank account," the narrator says in an ominous voice.

The New York Times

An animated digital mouth asks in a drugged, ominous voice: "Would you mind checking the mole on my shoulder?

The Guardian - Arts

Although Rains's face is hidden behind bandages throughout most of the film, his ominous voice effectively reflects the heightening madness of the megalomaniacal scientist he portrays.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Head to the sinister No 7, which combines a zinging acid line with an ominous voice booming, "You are all my children now!" Nobody does it better.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

"Big, yellow, a menace to our economy," the ominous voice-over intoned.

The New York Times

My first memories of the Belgian reporter are the animated cartoon series, with its ominous voice-over introduction.

The Guardian - Tech

The show even has an ominous, voice-over preface: "For the men and women of the Detroit homicide unit, every life counts, and every murder tells a story".

The New York Times - Arts

So instead there are repeated sloganlike phrases, sometimes layered over one another and mostly provided by Mr. Foreman in ominous voice-over.

The New York Times

The delivery of the text is problematic, recited in disembodied, ominous voice-overs — it's more than a little haunted house — but when paired with Mr. Veggetti's movement, the whole package is contrived.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more descriptive adjectives to enhance the impact of the phrase, such as "deep ominous voice" or "raspy ominous voice" to provide a clearer picture of the sound.

Common error

Avoid overusing "ominous voice" in a single piece of writing. Excessive repetition can diminish its impact and make your writing seem predictable. Vary your descriptions of voices to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ominous voice" functions primarily as a descriptive element, adding a layer of suspense or foreboding to a narrative. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples where the phrase sets a tone of impending danger.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ominous voice" is a common and effective way to create a sense of foreboding in writing. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While alternatives like "menacing voice" or "threatening voice" exist, "ominous voice" specifically implies a sense of impending doom. To use it effectively, aim for variation in your descriptions and avoid overusing the phrase. Remember, its purpose is to evoke unease and anticipation, so context is key.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

menacing voice

Emphasizes the threatening quality of the voice.

threatening voice

Directly indicates a voice that conveys a threat.

foreboding tone

Focuses on the tone of the voice as predicting something bad.

sinister voice

Emphasizes the evil or malicious nature of the voice.

dark voice

Highlights the somber or sinister quality of the voice.

eerie voice

Suggests a strange or unsettling quality in the voice.

unsettling voice

Focuses on the disturbing feeling the voice creates.

frightening voice

Highlights the fear-inducing aspect of the voice.

chilling voice

Emphasizes the cold and fear-inducing quality of the voice.

gruff voice

Highlights the rough and low nature of the voice which makes it sound threatening.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "ominous voice" in a sentence?

Use "ominous voice" to signal impending danger or create a sense of unease. For instance, "An "ominous voice" echoed from the dark forest, warning them to turn back."

What are some alternatives to using "ominous voice"?

Consider using alternatives such as "menacing voice", "threatening voice", or "foreboding tone" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "ominous voice" and "scary voice"?

While both suggest a negative feeling, "ominous voice" implies a sense of impending doom or a warning, while "scary voice" simply indicates a voice that causes fear. The distinction lies in the anticipation versus immediate fear.

Can "ominous voice" be used in a positive context?

No, "ominous voice" is generally reserved for negative or suspenseful contexts, as it inherently suggests something bad or threatening is about to happen. Using it in a positive context would be contradictory.