rough voice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rough voice" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to describe someone's voice as being harsh, raspy, or lacking smoothness. Example: The man's rough voice startled me as he approached from behind.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

That voice, as RR reader Tincanman pointed out, is "the rough voice of tenderness".

The Guardian - Music

"What did you do to your eye?" she blurts in that rough voice.

The New Yorker

His rough voice and hot eyes at such moments thrill Mary and remind her of earlier days.

The New Yorker

But then, a week or so later, the early morning rough voice and surly expression would be back.

The New Yorker

His rough voice and hungry-man stride distract from the slightly too nice-dad looks of his co-hosts.

The New York Times - Arts

Mr. Lee's rough voice was a harder sell than Mr. Kweller's chirp, but his writing proved his solid gifts.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

"Is it a smooth voice, is it a rough, gravelly voice, is it a nasally voice?" Similar questions are evaluated for every instrument.

The New York Times - Magazine

I love watching the unsigned-off preview copies when you can hear the sad futility of the whole project ringing in the rough voice-over.

Independent

Though she likes rough voices like Chris Knight's and Steve Earle's, hers is animated and clean and agreeable, not particularly spiteful or stubborn.

The New York Times - Arts

That's because poptimists have spent the past decade righteously vanquishing a nagging falsehood: the idea that rock-centric songwriters with rough voices and "real" instruments are inherently more legitimate than pop stars with Auto-Tuned voices and choreographed music videos.

The Washington Post

In a few minutes, the police seemed to fill up the apartment with their rough voices and the sound of their clubs slapping against their leather gun belts and holsters.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character in fiction, use "rough voice" to quickly convey a sense of ruggedness, age, or a difficult lifestyle. For example, "The old sailor's rough voice told tales of years at sea."

Common error

Avoid using "rough voice" in professional settings when providing feedback on someone's vocal performance. Instead, opt for more constructive terms like "needs improvement in tone" or "vocal delivery could be smoother".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rough voice" primarily functions as a descriptive adjective modifying the noun 'voice'. Ludwig AI confirms this usage, showcasing instances where it describes the vocal quality of individuals, often emphasizing a lack of smoothness or refinement. For example, "His rough voice and hot eyes at such moments thrill Mary".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Arts

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "rough voice" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that serves to describe a vocal quality characterized by a lack of smoothness. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, it finds common application across varied domains, including news, arts, and general discourse. While often neutral in tone, the phrase can evoke different images depending on the context—from a character's ruggedness to an individual's health condition. Related terms, such as ""raspy voice"" and ""gravelly voice"", offer nuanced alternatives. When writing, consider the specific effect you aim to achieve, using "rough voice" judiciously to create a vivid and accurate portrayal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

raspy voice

Describes a voice with a grating or scratchy quality.

gravelly voice

Suggests a voice that sounds like gravel, deep and somewhat hoarse.

hoarse voice

Indicates a voice that is strained and breathy, often due to illness or overuse.

husky voice

Implies a low and breathy voice, often considered attractive.

gruff voice

Conveys a harsh and abrupt tone.

throaty voice

Refers to a voice that seems to originate deep in the throat.

scratchy voice

Describes a voice with an uneven or irritating quality.

course voice

Highlights the unpleasant and rude tone of voice

deep voice

Focuses on the low pitch of the voice, which can contribute to a perception of roughness.

unrefined voice

Emphasizes the lack of polish or smoothness in the voice.

FAQs

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

You can use "rough voice" to describe a vocal quality that is not smooth or refined. For example, "He had a "rough voice" from years of singing in smoky bars" or "The character's "rough voice" added to his intimidating presence."

What are some synonyms for "rough voice"?

Alternatives to "rough voice" include "raspy voice", "gravelly voice", "hoarse voice", and "husky voice". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What causes someone to have a "rough voice"?

A "rough voice" can be caused by various factors, including smoking, overuse of the vocal cords, exposure to irritants, or medical conditions such as laryngitis or vocal cord nodules.

Is a "rough voice" always negative?

Not necessarily. While a "rough voice" can sometimes indicate damage or strain, it can also be a desirable characteristic in certain contexts, such as singing or acting, where it can add character and authenticity.