reedy voice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reedy voice" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a voice that is thin, high-pitched, or weak, often conveying a sense of fragility or lack of strength. Example: "The singer's reedy voice filled the small café, captivating everyone in the room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

He has a reedy voice.

The New Yorker

There's strength behind her high, reedy voice.

The New York Times

He has a reedy voice, though not an especially strong one.

The New York Times - Arts

A woman's reedy voice answered, sounding self-righteous and glad to be so.

The New Yorker

I loved his wit; his irony; his "Help!"; his urgent, reedy voice; his unceasing transformations.

The New York Times

He's got a reedy voice that is typically made even more needling with digital manipulation.

The New York Times - Arts

"Who says that?" Smothers asked me, his reedy voice rising with indignation.

The New Yorker

Despite her charisma and striking, reedy voice, things can be heavy and a bit woolly.

The Guardian - Music

When punching a point, his already reedy voice drops into a sort of emphatic whisper.

The New York Times

Mr. Oldham has a high, light, reedy voice, with an ambivalent relationship to pitch.

The New York Times

Occasionally, he stopped to gasp for breath, and then continued shouting, in a high, reedy voice.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "reedy voice" to describe a voice that is thin, high-pitched, and lacks resonance. It's especially effective when conveying a sense of vulnerability or frailty in a character.

Common error

Avoid using "reedy voice" when you intend to describe a rough or hoarse voice. "Reedy" focuses on the lack of fullness and resonance, while roughness indicates a different kind of vocal imperfection.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reedy voice" typically functions as a descriptive element, modifying a noun (person or character) to specify a particular vocal quality. As Ludwig AI states, this quality refers to voices that are thin, high-pitched or weak. Examples in Ludwig illustrate its use across different contexts, describing both speaking and singing voices.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "reedy voice" is a common and accepted phrase used to describe a voice that is thin, high-pitched, and lacking in resonance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely used, particularly in news and media contexts. While not inherently negative, it often suggests a certain fragility or lack of power. When writing, consider alternative phrases like "thin voice" or "weak voice" to better suit the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember to avoid confusing it with descriptors of roughness or hoarseness. By understanding its proper usage and potential connotations, you can effectively incorporate "reedy voice" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

thin voice

Emphasizes the lack of fullness and body in the voice.

weak voice

Focuses on the lack of power and projection in the voice.

high-pitched voice

Highlights the elevated frequency of the voice, often associated with a lack of resonance.

shrill voice

Suggests an unpleasant, piercing quality in addition to the high pitch.

raspy voice

Indicates a rough, grating quality, possibly due to vocal strain.

tenuous voice

Conveys a sense of fragility and impermanence in the voice.

reverberant voice

Describes an echoing voice, often from a distance.

pipe-like voice

Describes a voice, reminiscent of a pipe.

faltering voice

Implies a hesitating or unsteady delivery, possibly due to nervousness or emotion.

faint voice

Describes a quiet voice, hard to hear.

FAQs

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

You can use "reedy voice" to describe someone's speaking or singing voice, such as, "The old man spoke in a "reedy voice", barely audible above the wind" or "Despite her charisma and striking, "reedy voice", things can be heavy and a bit woolly".

What does it mean to describe a voice as "reedy"?

Describing a voice as "reedy" means it's thin, high-pitched, and lacks richness or resonance, much like the sound of a reed instrument like a clarinet or oboe.

What are some synonyms for "reedy voice"?

Synonyms for "reedy voice" include "thin voice", "weak voice", or "high-pitched voice", depending on the specific aspect you want to emphasize.

Is "reedy voice" a positive or negative descriptor?

"Reedy voice" is generally a neutral descriptor, although it can sometimes carry a slightly negative connotation depending on the context. It often implies a lack of power or fullness in the voice. However, it can also suggest a unique or distinctive vocal quality.