strained voice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "strained voice" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a voice that sounds tense, weak, or strained, often due to fatigue, emotion, or illness. Example: "After hours of shouting at the concert, she spoke to me in a strained voice, barely able to form words."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

Roddy talked about the Bomb in a hushed, strained voice.

The New Yorker

"Hurts," she said, in a high, strained voice.

The New Yorker

At 8 10 p.m., Specialist Soto's strained voice came over the radio.

The New York Times

She apologises afterward for her strained voice, which causes Lanegan to murmur: "I beg to differ".

The Guardian - Music

Unprompted, he said, in a strained voice, "Why did he do it?

The New Yorker

Zimmermann, in a strained voice, said that if such regulations came to pass, "I wouldn't allow it.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

I found myself impatient of theater, stage, strained voices.

Huffington Post

In the front seat, in their own world, my parents spoke in subdued, strained voices.

Huffington Post

12 43:59: what 12 44:00: yeah it's cool we will lift weight and talk in strained voices while we lift weights and I will run like literally 15 miles on a treadmill while you just sit on a rowing machine drinking one of those weird little triangular paper cups of water and panting like an exhausted dying dog 12 44 21: have you heard of pubs.

Vice

MY 10-year-old daughter's tear-strained voice woke me sometime in the wee hours of the morning.

The New York Times - Travel

In a strained, troubled voice, Isaac Brock sang about his uncertain place in the universe and all the ways that his life goes wrong, while the music worked its way from calm, almost folky guitar lines to sprawling, discordant buildups.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character's emotional state in writing, use "strained voice" to subtly convey tension, anxiety, or suppressed emotions.

Common error

Avoid repeatedly using "strained voice" in dialogue tags, as it can become repetitive. Instead, vary your descriptions with other sensory details or focus on the character's actions and expressions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "strained voice" typically functions as a descriptive element within a sentence, modifying a verb or noun to provide additional information about how someone is speaking. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Wiki

3%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "strained voice" effectively describes a voice that is tense, weak, or under pressure, often conveying the speaker's emotional or physical state. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its grammatical correctness and common usage in news and media make it a valuable tool for writers. Alternatives such as "tense voice" or "hoarse voice" offer subtle variations in meaning, allowing for more precise descriptions. Remember to vary your dialogue tags and avoid overuse to maintain engaging and descriptive prose. Given its prevalence and clarity, "strained voice" is a reliable choice for depicting characters and situations with nuanced emotional depth.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Tense voice

Describes a voice reflecting nervousness or anxiety, emphasizing the emotional tension behind it, rather than physical strain.

Tight voice

Similar to tense, but focusing more on the physical constriction of the vocal cords.

Nervous voice

Highlights the speaker's anxiety, the voice reflects their nervousness.

Hoarse voice

Indicates a roughness or harshness in the voice, often due to overuse or illness, focusing on the sound quality.

Weak voice

Focuses on the lack of volume or strength in the voice, suggesting frailty or exhaustion.

Forced voice

Suggests the speaker is making a conscious effort to speak, possibly due to emotion or physical discomfort.

Tremulous voice

Emphasizes the shaking or trembling quality of the voice, usually indicating fear or emotional distress.

Subdued voice

Indicates a quieter and less expressive voice, often due to sadness or seriousness.

Raspy voice

Focuses on a rough or grating quality, different from strain but can be related through vocal effort.

Wobbly voice

Implies instability in the tone, suggesting possible emotional distress or physical weakness.

FAQs

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

You can use "strained voice" to describe a voice that sounds tense, weak, or under pressure, as in, "He spoke in a "strained voice", trying to remain calm."

What are some alternatives to saying "strained voice"?

Depending on the specific context, you could use alternatives like "tense voice", "hoarse voice", or "weak voice".

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

A "strained voice" typically indicates that the person is experiencing some form of stress, whether physical (like overuse of the vocal cords) or emotional, causing their voice to sound tight or unnatural.

Is there a difference between a "strained voice" and a "tremulous voice"?

Yes, while both suggest an unusual vocal quality, a "strained voice" implies tension or pressure, while a "tremulous voice" suggests shaking or trembling, often due to fear or emotional distress.