overlapping chatter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "overlapping chatter" is correct and can be used in written English.
It refers to the sound of multiple people talking at the same time and their voices overlapping or blending together. This phrase is often used to describe a noisy or chaotic atmosphere. Here is an example: "The meeting room was filled with overlapping chatter as everyone tried to voice their opinions and ideas at the same time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

On the train back to Brooklyn, she started writing dialogue on her phone — overlapping chatter about the Khmer Rouge and tampons.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

It's not just that the sound designer, J. Hagenbuckle, has created an actual, heavenly crescendo of blended, overlapping cellphone chatter for Act Two.

The New York Times

"We also wish to do Fran Drescher clowns," Hester tells me as the overlapping manic chatter resumes.

Vice

Around dinner time, the patrons' chatter overlaps the Maghrib call to prayer from a nearby mosque.

The Guardian

Overlapping conversations, carried on through chattering teeth, touched on Ernest Shackleton's Antarctic journeys, the Donner party and cannibalism.

The New York Times

In addition to the chatter of a thousand daily customers and carols blasted from loudspeakers behind the cash registers, Christmas lights played demonically overlapping versions of "Jingle Bells".

The New Yorker

Interior chatter.

The New Yorker

I chatter.

The New Yorker

Idle chatter?

The Economist

And chatter, lots of chatter.

The New York Times - Arts

The emergency chatter receded.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "overlapping chatter" to vividly describe a scene with multiple conversations occurring at once, creating a sense of busyness or chaos.

Common error

Don't use "overlapping chatter" when a simpler term like "noise" or "background conversation" would suffice; reserve it for situations where the overlapping nature of the conversations is significant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "overlapping chatter" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "overlapping" modifies the noun "chatter". It describes a specific type of sound characterized by multiple voices or conversations occurring simultaneously. Ludwig AI confirms its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "overlapping chatter" effectively describes the sound of many conversations occurring at once. Ludwig AI verifies its grammatical correctness and common usage, particularly in News & Media. While the phrase is versatile, writers should aim for precision and avoid using it when simpler alternatives suffice. When describing a room full of people talking all at the same time consider to use ""overlapping chatter"". It is a solid choice to convey a noisy atmosphere.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

simultaneous voices

Focuses on the voices happening at the same time, omitting the potential chaos implied by "chatter".

jumble of voices

Focuses on the confused and disorganized nature of the sound.

cacophony of voices

Highlights the harsh, discordant nature of multiple voices, emphasizing the lack of harmony.

mingling voices

Suggests a gentler, more blended sound of voices, rather than a disruptive "chatter".

concurrent speech

Emphasizes the simultaneous nature of the speech acts, a more formal and technical phrasing.

intertwined voices

Highlights the interwoven nature of the voices, suggesting a close relationship or overlapping content.

layered conversations

Implies structured conversations occurring at the same time, adding a sense of depth and complexity.

blended conversations

Emphasizes the smooth merging of different conversations happening simultaneously, reducing the chaos.

chorus of voices

Conveys the idea of many voices speaking together, often in a unified manner.

multilogue

A technical term referring to a conversation involving more than two participants, often overlapping.

FAQs

How can I use "overlapping chatter" in a sentence?

You might say, "The cafe was filled with the sound of "overlapping chatter", making it difficult to concentrate".

What is a synonym for "overlapping chatter"?

Depending on the context, you could use "background noise", "hubbub", or "cacophony" as alternatives to ""overlapping chatter"".

Is "overlapping chatter" formal or informal?

"Overlapping chatter" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though more formal situations might call for a more precise description.

What does "overlapping chatter" emphasize?

"Overlapping chatter" emphasizes the simultaneous and often unintelligible nature of multiple conversations, creating a sense of busyness or confusion.