sound bite

USAGE SUMMARY

"sound bite" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It refers to a short, catchy phrase or statement that is meant to be memorable and easily repeated. It is often used in media and political contexts. Example: During his speech, the politician tried to deliver a powerful sound bite that would resonate with voters and capture their attention. He said, "It's time for real change, not empty promises." This quote was later used in news headlines and social media posts, highlighting the effectiveness of his sound bite.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Sub-Obama sound bite?

Independent

That's the sound bite.

The New Yorker

Sound bite trumps nuance.

The New York Times

The sound bite worked.

The Guardian

His seven-second sound bite?

The New York Times

Not spin and sound bite.

The Guardian

"It's the sound bite," he said.

The New York Times

It was a passable sound bite.

The New York Times

"The title is an instant sound bite".

The New York Times

That's Roddick in a sound bite.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The players are not sound-bite friendly.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sound bite" to refer to short, memorable excerpts from speeches or interviews that are often used in news broadcasts. Ensure the context highlights its intended use for quick dissemination.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "sound bites" to convey complex information. Supplement them with detailed explanations and context to prevent misinterpretations and oversimplifications.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sound bite" functions primarily as a noun, often modified by adjectives. Ludwig AI confirms its function as referring to a short excerpt from a speech or interview.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "sound bite" is a very common noun phrase referring to a short, memorable excerpt from a speech or interview, often used in news and media. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely recognized. While primarily used in News & Media, it also appears in Academia and other contexts. When using this phrase, be mindful of the potential for oversimplification and ensure it's supplemented with adequate context. Related alternatives include "catchphrase", "memorable quote", and "pithy statement". Consider the communicative purpose and potential connotations to use "sound bite" effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

catchphrase

Focuses on the memorability and popularity of the phrase.

pithy statement

Conveys the concise and meaningful quality of the remark.

memorable quote

Emphasizes the quotability and lasting impression of the statement.

quotable remark

Highlights the characteristic of being easily and frequently quoted.

punchline

Implies a climactic and impactful effect, similar to a joke's ending.

snippet of speech

Highlights the brevity and origin within a larger speech.

extract from interview

Specifies the source and the selective nature of the portion.

key takeaway

Focuses on the essential message extracted from a longer discourse.

brief clip

Underscores the short duration and visual aspect if referring to video.

short statement

Emphasizes the concise nature of the utterance.

FAQs

How is "sound bite" typically used in political commentary?

In political commentary, a "sound bite" often refers to a short, easily quotable phrase from a politician's speech or interview, used to capture public attention or summarize a key message. These are frequently analyzed for their impact and potential to influence public opinion.

What are some strategies for creating an effective "sound bite"?

To craft an impactful "sound bite", focus on clarity, brevity, and emotional resonance. Use strong verbs, memorable language, and encapsulate your core message into a concise, easily repeatable statement.

Is there a negative connotation associated with the term "sound bite"?

Yes, sometimes "sound bite" carries a negative connotation, implying oversimplification or manipulation of information. This is especially true when complex issues are reduced to easily digestible but potentially misleading phrases. Be mindful of context.

What's the difference between a "sound bite" and a slogan?

While both are short and memorable, a "sound bite" is usually an excerpt from a larger statement, while a slogan is a deliberately crafted phrase designed to represent a brand, campaign, or idea. Slogans, unlike "sound bites", are typically created for marketing or promotional purposes.