strong accent

USAGE SUMMARY

"strong accent" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe someone's voice or pronunciation of words. For example: "He had a strong accent that made it difficult to understand him."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Does he have a strong accent?

The Economist

I love… the grey palate with strong accent colours.

Independent

He said something nice with a strong accent and then went on.

Harvard University

Usually it's the part closer to northern Minnesota where you really get the strong accent.

The New York Times

Though Ms. Ashton understands French, she is not fluent and speaks with a strong accent.

The New York Times

Just sometimes, the work speaks for itself, albeit with a strong accent.

The Guardian - Film

Hence the strong accent put on creating a space for shared thinking, debate and collaboration.

The Guardian

Neumann is a tall Israeli with flowing black hair and a strong accent.

The New Yorker

So I had to go the whole hog and write a very strong accent.

The Guardian

To preserve this solemn image his publicists discouraged him from giving, in his comically strong accent, interviews.

The New Yorker

Other ways of exceeding liberal-democratic comportment include flashy dressing, a strong accent, or simple "political incorrectness".

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an accent, consider adding details about its origin or specific characteristics to provide a more vivid and informative description.

Common error

Be cautious not to rely on stereotypes when describing someone's accent. Focus on observable linguistic features rather than making assumptions about their background or intelligence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "strong accent" functions as a descriptive noun phrase, where "strong" modifies the noun "accent". It describes the intensity or prominence of a particular way of pronouncing words, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

14%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

6%

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "strong accent" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a distinctive pronunciation pattern. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively conveys that someone's speech deviates noticeably from a standard accent. While the phrase itself is neutral, context and sensitivity are essential when discussing accents to avoid stereotypes. Alternatives like "heavy accent" or "pronounced accent" can offer similar nuances. Usage is very common, particularly in news, academic, and informal contexts. Remember to focus on observable features rather than making assumptions about a speaker's background or abilities. Describing accents with specificity helps improve understanding and avoids potential miscommunication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

heavy accent

Indicates a noticeable and possibly difficult-to-understand accent.

pronounced accent

Emphasizes the distinctiveness and clarity of the accent.

distinct accent

Highlights the unique and easily identifiable nature of the accent.

thick accent

Implies a dense or intensified accent that may affect comprehensibility.

noticeable accent

Focuses on the readily apparent quality of the accent.

marked accent

Suggests the accent stands out and is easily observed.

foreign accent

Highlights the accent's origin from another country or region.

regional accent

Specifies the accent's connection to a particular geographic area.

dominant accent

Indicates the accent is highly influential in the speaker's pronunciation.

unmistakable accent

Emphasizes that the accent is impossible to misinterpret or ignore.

FAQs

How can I describe a "strong accent" more precisely?

Instead of just saying "strong accent", try to specify the origin (e.g., "strong Scottish accent") or a distinctive feature (e.g., "strong accent with rolled 'r's").

Is it polite to comment on someone's "strong accent"?

It depends on the context and your relationship with the person. Generally, it's best to avoid making assumptions or judgments based on their accent. Focus on clear communication and understanding.

What are some alternative ways to say "strong accent"?

You could use phrases like "heavy accent", "pronounced accent", or "distinct accent" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How does a "strong accent" affect communication?

A "strong accent" can sometimes make it more challenging for listeners unfamiliar with the accent to understand the speaker. Clear articulation and patience can help bridge any communication gaps.