plain voice

USAGE SUMMARY

"plain voice" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
For example, "He spoke in a plain voice, without any emotion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

It's as if Henry Ford had bought a carriagemaker as he introduced the Model T. With LCI, plain voice calls connected by circuit switches will generate 58% of Qwest's revenues this year and still 51% of the $8.7 billion expected in 2003, according to Lehman Brothers estimates.

Forbes

As the back-country folk might say, "it were a plain voice".

Huffington Post

If you have a simple, plain voice, put it in good use and turn it into a foreign accent no one has ever heard of.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

A decade later, Shakespeare had so invaded, colonised and coloured Collins' subconscious that, when called upon to say a few words to the troops on the eve of invading Iraq, he spoke in the plain, unvarnished voice of Henry V at Agincourt.

The Guardian

His searing editorials, broadcast across the state's coastal plain, voiced the anxieties and grievances of white southerners at a time of roiling social change.

The Economist

A root cannot contain two plain voiced plosives, nor can it contain a voiced aspirate and a voiceless plosive, unless the latter occurs in a word-initial cluster after an (e.g. 'to stiffen').

Wikipedia

The difference between plain old "voice commands" and "interactive voice commands" — in the Samsung SmartTV universe — is in fact clarified by the company in its blog.

TechCrunch

First, have each student read his or her line aloud using a plain speaking voice.

The New York Times

The song's taps prelude rang out, and Reno said, "Ira Hayes," in a plain, flat voice, as though citing legal precedent.

The New Yorker

There is something disturbingly poignant in the plain, twangy voice of a North Carolina country girl in the thrall of Hollywood dreams evaluating eyes, eyebrows, noses and cheekbones.

The New York Times

Mark Hoppus has a plain, unaffected voice, and he traded songs with Mr. DeLonge, whose reproachful whine turns slap-happy love songs into desperate pleas.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "plain voice" when you want to emphasize the lack of affectation or embellishment in someone's speech. It's suitable when describing a straightforward, honest, or unremarkable vocal quality.

Common error

Avoid using "plain voice" in highly formal or professional settings where a more nuanced or descriptive term might be more appropriate. Consider alternatives like "clear voice" or "unadorned voice" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "plain voice" typically functions as a descriptive adjective phrase modifying the noun "voice". It indicates a lack of ornamentation or affectation in the vocal quality. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and readily usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "plain voice" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that describes a simple, unadorned vocal quality. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, with a neutral to informal register. While not overly common, it effectively conveys a lack of affectation or embellishment in speech. For more formal settings, consider alternatives such as "unadorned voice" or "straightforward voice".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unadorned voice

Emphasizes the lack of embellishment or ornamentation in the voice.

unembellished voice

Similar to "unadorned voice", focuses on the absence of decorative elements.

simple voice

Highlights the uncomplicated and straightforward nature of the voice.

unaffected voice

Focuses on the genuineness and lack of pretense in the vocal delivery.

clear voice

Highlights the clarity and ease of understanding in the voice.

natural voice

Stresses the authenticity and lack of artificiality in the voice.

straightforward voice

Emphasizes the directness and lack of ambiguity in the vocal expression.

ordinary voice

Suggests a voice that is common and unremarkable in its qualities.

basic voice

Conveys a fundamental and unrefined vocal quality.

monotone voice

Highlights a lack of variation in pitch or tone.

FAQs

How can I use "plain voice" in a sentence?

You might say, "The witness delivered their testimony in a "plain voice", showing little emotion", or "He spoke in a "plain voice", making his sincerity evident".

What does it mean to describe someone's voice as "plain"?

Describing a voice as "plain" suggests it's simple, unadorned, and lacks any distinctive or remarkable qualities. It implies a straightforward and unpretentious manner of speaking.

What are some alternatives to "plain voice"?

Alternatives include "simple voice", "unaffected voice", or "clear voice", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "plain voice" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "plain voice" may sound too informal for some formal contexts. Consider using more precise terms such as "unadorned voice" or "straightforward voice" to maintain a professional tone.