sough

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the phrase "sough" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a soft murmuring or rustling sound, often associated with the wind or a gentle breeze. Example: "As I walked through the forest, I could hear the sough of the leaves in the trees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon said it has claimed more than 100,000 lives, and the UN's refugee agency has said 2.1 million Syrians have sough protection in neighbouring countries.

Independent

All that he consciously sough to do was to open up the wall, in order to let the eye travel farther, & to open up the mind, provoking meditation but not directing it.

The New Yorker

It may be true that after the crackdown Ky & his military associates should've pursued their investigation further & sough specifically to arrest all the Communist agents who were working in & with the Struggle Force, including some who were almost certainly masquerading in Buddhist robes.

The New Yorker

But the indictment says that as financial institutions got wise to those efforts, several defendants sough to persuade smaller banks to process the transactions by making multimillion-dollar investments in them.

The New York Times - Tech

Outside came the sough of wind.

The New York Times

She responded with those cries that men long to hear, the sweet deep moaning sounds that echo the sigh of oceans, the ebb and flow of fields, the sough of stars.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

When eventually sleep came, I seemed to hear the soughing of trees outside in the empty air.

The New Yorker

The sound echoes out over the water and comes back again, thrilling with the chatter of birds and the soughing of the breeze in the branches overhead.

The New Yorker

That steady soughing tells us all that we know so far, and all that we don't yet — and may never — know, about this atrocity, the deadliest aviation catastrophe in France in more than three decades.

The New Yorker

The soughing of the surf is the rhythmic lifting of his ripple-stitched vest as he breathes.

The New Yorker

That night, the wind soughed and keened and rattled like a set of pipes through the canyon of the high street on till midnight or so, and then it came at us with a new sound, a sound people hadn't heard in these parts since '92.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sough", consider the context of nature or the outdoors to evoke a sense of tranquility and natural soundscapes. This word is particularly effective when describing wind or leaves.

Common error

Avoid using "sough" to describe loud or harsh sounds. It is best suited for gentle, natural sounds, not mechanical or forceful noises.

Linguistic Context

The word "sough" functions as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to a murmuring, rustling, or whistling sound. As a verb, it describes the act of making such a sound. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

8%

Science

8%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sough" is a word that describes a soft murmuring or rustling sound, often linked to wind and nature. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correct usage, primarily in neutral to formal contexts such as news and literary pieces. While "sough" isn't as common as its alternatives like ""murmur"" or ""rustle"", it adds a touch of poetic expression. When using "sough", ensure it aligns with gentle, natural soundscapes to maintain its intended effect. Avoiding its use for loud or mechanical noises will prevent misuse and enhance clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

murmuring sound

Focuses on the auditory aspect of a gentle, continuous sound, similar to "sough" but broader in application.

rustling sound

Emphasizes the dry, rubbing quality of a sound, often associated with leaves or paper, akin to one sense of "sough".

gentle breeze

Highlights the gentle movement of air, mirroring "sough's" association with wind and a soft, airy sound.

soft whisper

Conveys a quiet, almost inaudible sound, akin to the gentle, subtle nature implied by "sough".

sighing wind

Captures the emotional or evocative quality of wind sounds, similar to the melancholic sense "sough" can imply.

whistling sound

Describes a high-pitched sound, narrower in scope compared to the broader soundscapes evoked by "sough".

blowing gently

Focuses on the action of the wind, representing the cause of a "sough" rather than the sound itself.

soft murmur

Highlights the low and indistinct quality of sound, similar to "sough" but less specific to natural elements.

low drone

Indicates a continuous, monotonous sound, differing from the varied, naturalistic sounds often associated with "sough".

faint rustle

Emphasizes the quietness and delicacy of a sound, capturing a subtle aspect of what "sough" can represent.

FAQs

How can I use "sough" in a sentence?

You can use "sough" to describe the sound of wind in the trees, as in "The "soughing of the wind" through the pines was soothing."

What does "soughing" typically describe?

"Soughing" usually describes the sound of wind or a gentle breeze. It evokes a soft, murmuring, or rustling sound.

What can I say instead of "sough" to describe a similar sound?

Alternatives to "sough" include "murmur", "rustle", or "whisper", depending on the specific sound you want to convey.

Is "sough" a commonly used word?

While "sough" is a valid word, it is not as common as alternatives like "rustle" or "whisper". Its usage often lends a poetic or descriptive quality to writing.