soft murmur

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "soft murmur" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a gentle or quiet sound, often in a poetic or descriptive context. Example: "As she spoke, her voice was a soft murmur that filled the quiet room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

There was a soft murmur of assent.

The New York Times

Singing these words in his usual soft murmur, Mr. Johnson sounds seriously bummed.

The New York Times - Arts

Then, as one, they began to pray for the children still trapped inside, a soft murmur going up as the layers of concrete trembled perilously under their feet.

Independent

A single whisper brings together the prayers and cries, and mixes with the soft murmur of autumn trees.

City, Territory and Architecture

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Soft murmurs.

The Guardian

The room below us was quiet except for a soft murmuring of voices and the vibrato of bed springs.

The New Yorker

The waitress recommends the pêche Melba, and in the soft murmurs and good-natured buoyancy of Chez Napoléon, the conversation turns lighter.

The New York Times

As I listen to the soft, murmuring sound of the parents, I watch the engrossed look on each child's face, taking in every word.

The New York Times

The theatrical effect — dozens of lighted cellphones in the darkened theater, the soft murmuring echo of the recorded voice as we listened — was mesmerizing.

The New York Times - Arts

With Vaseline, warm water, a toothbrush and soft murmurs, she showed her how to combat cradle cap, a scaly buildup on the scalp.

The New York Times - Health

It figures large in many holy and special places -- the soft murmuring of a sacred spring at Delphi in Greece, the reflecting pools of India's Taj Mahal, riffling streams in the gardens at Granada, Spain, the reservoirs that surround Angkor Wat in Cambodia, symbolizing the primordial waters of the universe, the font for holy water in Christian cathedrals.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing medical conditions, accurately specify the type and location of a heart murmur to ensure clarity. For example, "The doctor detected a soft systolic murmur at the apex of the heart."

Common error

Avoid using "soft murmur" in highly technical or scientific writing where a more precise and descriptive term might be appropriate. Consider alternatives that provide more detail about the sound's characteristics, such as frequency or intensity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "soft murmur" functions primarily as a descriptive element, adding detail to auditory experiences. It usually act as a noun phrase modified by an adjective.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "soft murmur" is a grammatically sound phrase used to depict a gentle, indistinct sound. Ludwig identifies the phrase as correct and usable in written English. Although less frequent than similar expressions, like "gentle whisper" or "quiet hum", "soft murmur" is commonly found in news, media, and scientific contexts, making it a versatile choice for various writing styles. It's important to consider the context when using "soft murmur", opting for more precise terminology in technical scenarios. Overall, the phrase provides a nuanced way to describe auditory sensations in descriptive writing and casual conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gentle whisper

Replaces 'murmur' with 'whisper' emphasizing the quiet and subtle nature of the sound.

muted whisper

Combines 'muted' with 'whisper' to emphasize the quietness and suppressed nature of the sound.

faint susurrus

Substitutes both words, creating a more technical or literary tone describing a soft, rustling sound.

delicate rustle

Uses 'delicate' and 'rustle' to convey a light, gentle, and often natural sound.

quiet undertone

Focuses on the underlying quality of the sound, suggesting it's subtle and not easily noticed.

soft susurration

A more formal synonym emphasizing a whispering or rustling sound, often of leaves or fluids.

low hum

Replaces 'murmur' with 'hum', indicating a continuous, low-frequency sound.

subdued mumble

Replaces 'murmur' with 'mumble', suggesting the sound is indistinct and unclear.

gentle resonance

Highlights the quality of sound being soft and echoing slightly.

feeble drone

Indicates a weak, continuous, and monotonous sound.

FAQs

How can I use "soft murmur" in a sentence?

You can use "soft murmur" to describe a gentle, quiet sound. For example, "The "soft murmur" of the waves lulled her to sleep" or "A "soft murmur" of agreement rippled through the crowd".

What are some alternatives to "soft murmur"?

Alternatives include "gentle whisper", "faint susurrus", or "quiet undertone". The best choice depends on the specific sound and context you're describing.

Is "soft murmur" a common phrase?

While grammatically correct and understandable, "soft murmur" is not as frequently used as other similar phrases like "gentle hum" or "quiet whisper". Ludwig identifies it as an uncommon phrase based on its analysis.

In what contexts is "soft murmur" most appropriate?

"Soft murmur" is suitable for describing environmental sounds, like a stream or a crowd's reaction. It can also refer to a medical sound, like a heart murmur. However, clarity is key in medical contexts and a more descriptive term may be better.