shaky voice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shaky voice" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone’s voice that trembles or quivers, often due to nervousness or emotion. Example: "When she spoke in front of the crowd, her shaky voice revealed her anxiety."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

He leaned in, his shaky voice barely a whisper.

The New York Times - Magazine

When she called me and said in an uncharacteristically shaky voice: "We have to talk.

The New York Times

"Right now, I can't talk," he said in a shaky voice.

The New York Times

"I get treated completely differently to my fellow cellmates," he said in a shaky voice.

The Guardian

"I think the killer is still here," sister Bernadetta told him in a shaky voice.

The Guardian

"Sir?" His secretary's shaky voice made him lose his train of thought.

The Guardian

"His name," Mr. Curro continued in a strong but shaky voice, "was Paolo Scarfone.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

But with unemployment stubbornly high, businesses bemoaning the fact that they face barriers to obtaining loans and economic growth looking shaky, voices are growing louder suggesting policymakers should find better ways of directing the cash.

The Guardian - Business

Now you can make free conference calls, and you don't even have to put up with sh-sh-shaky voice quality.

The New York Times

"It was the hardest thing I've done in my life, making this movie," he added, the emotion evident in his shaky, subdued voice.

The New York Times

Her simple, looping chords and slightly shaky, girlish voice are the template for even incidental music, and inform Juno's whole texture.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's emotional state through their voice, use "shaky voice" to subtly convey nervousness, fear, or sadness without explicitly stating the emotion.

Common error

While "shaky voice" is effective, relying on it too often can make your writing repetitive. Use varied descriptions of vocal expression, such as "tremulous tone" or describing the character's breath as catching in their throat.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shaky voice" functions as a descriptive element, modifying the noun "voice" with the adjective "shaky." As demonstrated by Ludwig, it provides a nuanced portrayal of emotional or physical state.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "shaky voice" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that effectively conveys a speaker's emotional or physical state. As Ludwig AI confirms, its descriptive function makes it a versatile tool for writers aiming to add nuance and depth to their narratives. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, "shaky voice" subtly communicates nervousness, fear, or vulnerability. While alternatives like "tremulous voice" or "unsteady voice" exist, "shaky voice" remains a clear and widely recognized descriptor.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tremulous voice

Replaces "shaky" with a synonym, indicating a trembling quality in the voice.

trembling voice

Similar to "tremulous voice", highlights the trembling characteristic.

quivering voice

Uses "quivering" instead of "shaky", suggesting a slight trembling motion in the voice.

wavering voice

Employs "wavering" to indicate an unsteady or fluctuating quality in the voice.

unsteady voice

Substitutes "shaky" with "unsteady", denoting a lack of firmness or stability in the voice.

faltering voice

Uses "faltering" to describe a voice that is hesitant or weakening.

hesitant voice

Replaces "shaky" with "hesitant", emphasizing the uncertain or reluctant nature of the voice.

fragile voice

Describes a voice that is delicate and easily broken, often due to emotion.

nervous tone

Focuses on the emotional state causing the vocal instability.

emotional voice

Emphasizes the emotional component affecting the voice's stability.

FAQs

How can I describe a "shaky voice"?

You can describe a "shaky voice" as "tremulous voice", "quivering voice", or "unsteady voice". Each emphasizes a slightly different aspect of the vocal instability.

What does it mean when someone has a "shaky voice"?

A "shaky voice" usually indicates that someone is experiencing strong emotions such as nervousness, fear, or sadness. It can also be a sign of physical weakness or illness.

Is "shaky voice" a formal or informal expression?

"Shaky voice" is a neutral expression suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding text than the phrase itself.

What are some common causes of a "shaky voice"?

Common causes include anxiety, fear, excitement, sadness, and physical conditions like fatigue or illness. The specific cause depends on the individual and the context.